Jaguar Kittens at Auckland.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 31 October 1938, Page 4

Jaguar Kittens at Auckland.

Something in the nature of a zoologi-, cal triumph has been achieved by the birth of a pair of strong and healthy jaguar kittens at the Auckland Zoological Park. For these animals to be bred successfully in captivity is a rarity, but the latest additions to Auckland’s zoo family are thriving, and they have already constituted a New Zealand record by being the first to survive for more than a few hours. For the zoo authorities the care of the jaguar queen has presented almost a Plunket problem. The birth of the kittens has initiated another zoo domestic drama. Paternal pride and remarkable interest in his new responsibilities were ■ shown by the male jaguar. After licking the mother’s face and the kittens from head to tail, he took the head of one of the twins in his mouth and carried it around the arena before returning it unharmed to the queen jaguar’s side. It was at this stage, however, that the zoo authorities took a hand for fear of accidents. It was thought well to segregate the head of the family, and the mother and children are now left to work out their own salvation.