All Animals

Animal Guide

Jaguar

45 destinations · 19 states

Native Range
Central and South America

Jaguars often spend long stretches resting or quietly watching their surroundings, which makes the moment they start moving especially noticeable. Their stocky bodies and powerful shoulders give them a different build from the leaner leopard, and the dark rosettes covering their golden coat often contain small spots in the center. Look closely at the head and jaws too. Jaguars have an exceptionally powerful bite and can tackle prey that many other big cats would struggle with. Water is another clue to what makes them unusual. Jaguars are strong swimmers and may willingly enter pools, something visitors do not always expect from a big cat. A jaguar exploring its habitat might follow scents, rub against objects, climb onto a lookout, or patrol familiar routes. Black jaguars have the same rosette pattern, although it can be difficult to see until the light catches their coat. When one passes close to the viewing area, the combination of broad paws, muscular legs, and compact build becomes particularly clear.

Jaguar

Where to see Jaguar

45 destinations across 19 states

45 destinations

Abilene Zoo

Abilene, TX

ABQ BioPark Zoo

Albuquerque, NM

Alexandria Zoological Park

Alexandria, LA

Amarillo Zoo

Amarillo, TX

Audubon Zoo

New Orleans, LA

Bearizona Wildlife Park

Williams, AZ

Birmingham Zoo

Birmingham, AL

BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo

Baton Rouge, LA

Brevard Zoo

Melbourne, FL

Caldwell Zoo

Tyler, TX

Cameron Park Zoo

Waco, TX

Chattanooga Zoo

Chattanooga, TN

El Paso Zoo

El Paso, TX

Ellen Trout Zoo

Lufkin, TX

Elmwood Park Zoo

Norristown, PA

Emerald Coast Zoo

Crestview, FL

Essex County Turtle Back Zoo

West Orange, NJ

Fort Worth Zoo

Fort Worth, TX

Hattiesburg Zoo

Hattiesburg, MS

Houston Zoo

Houston, TX

Jacksonville Zoo & Botanical Gardens

Jacksonville, FL

Lee Richardson Zoo

Garden City, KS

Little Rock Zoo

Little Rock, AR

Los Angeles Zoo

Los Angeles, CA

Memphis Zoo

Memphis, TN

Mesker Park Zoo

Evansville, IN

Milwaukee County Zoo

Milwaukee, WI

Montgomery Zoo

Montgomery, AL

Oakland Zoo

Oakland, CA

Oklahoma City Zoo

Oklahoma City, OK

Orange County Zoo

Orange, CA

Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society

West Palm Beach, FL

Phoenix Zoo

Phoenix, AZ

Reid Park Zoo

Tucson, AZ

Sacramento Zoo

Sacramento, CA

Safari North Wildlife Park

Brainerd, MN

San Antonio Zoo

San Antonio, TX

San Diego Zoo

San Diego, CA

Stone Zoo

Stoneham, MA

The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens

Palm Desert, CA

The Texas Zoo

Victoria, TX

Tulsa Zoo

Tulsa, OK

Wildlife World Zoo

Litchfield Park, AZ

Woodland Park Zoo

Seattle, WA

Zoo Miami

Miami, FL

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