Getting to Know the Pumas and Jaguars of Xcaret

Learn about the Big Cat Conservation EffortsToday

The term "big cats" is a colloquial expression that distinguishes the larger species of the feline family, and today I want to talk to you about two species that are very beloved by everyone. So, if you're interested in learning more about them and how we care for them at Xcaret, keep reading—this will be very interesting!

We will explore the lives of pumas and jaguars in Xcaret and Xplor Parks, and we will highlight the animal welfare efforts made by the Conservation area.

Join us to learn more about these magnificent species and the dedicated work towards their preservation!

How Many Pumas and Jaguars Are There in Xcaret?

Currently, we have a feline population consisting of four jaguars, including two melanistic (one female and one male) and two spotted (one female and one male). Additionally, there is one male puma in the same area.These felines are distributed across two of our parks.

Animal Welfare Work at Xcaret

Five Domains Model

The Five Domains Model is a tool that allows for the assessment of animal welfare under professional care by tracking subjective experiences, both negative and positive.

There are four domains classified as physical and functional: nutrition, environment, health, and behavior. The fifth domain, known as mental state, represents an affective experience. When all domains reach an optimal state, it is said that the animal is in a state of well-being.

How Do We Apply the Five Domains Model of Animal Welfare with Big Cats?

Experience: We provide spaces that promote positive experiences and integrate activities that stimulate them mentally and sensorily, such as environmental enrichments.

Behavior: We encourage the expression of natural behaviors for each species, such as socialization, play, swimming, etc.

Environment: We ensure that their habitat includes the necessary elements appropriate for each species.

Health: We have a preventive medicine plan, including vaccination and deworming.

Nutrition: We provide a balanced diet tailored to the needs of each species. 

Veterinary Medical Care

The specimens under the professional care of Xcaret have a preventive medicine plan, which consists of measures, activities, and medical attention to prevent, detect, and/or control diseases in a timely manner.

In the case of felines, caretakers monitor their behavior visually every day and evaluate their physical condition. They also perform voluntary weighing once a month.

More specifically, once a year, the Veterinarian Team performs a complete check-up for each specimen, which includes a physical exam, dental cleaning, deworming, vaccination, blood tests, and veterinary imaging studies such as X-rays and ultrasounds.

Their Diet

The diet of the specimens is formulated by the nutrition department and must align with their specific nutritional needs, physical characteristics (size and weight), activity level, etc.

It primarily consists of beef, pork, and chicken, and varies from specimen to specimen. It is important that this diet is related to the environmental enrichment plan.

Environmental Enrichment for the Felines

Environmental enrichment is essential in behavioral management to promote the well-being of the specimens, with the primary goal of encouraging and strengthening the natural behaviors of the species through environmental stimuli that keep them physically and mentally active.

The stimuli we use are called enrichments; these are planned and developed by the caregivers based on direct observations of the specimens, as well as collaboration with volunteers from other areas of Xcaret to provide an educational message about the care of our species.

There are five types of enrichment, one of which is nutritional; it involves providing food in a different way than usual. We can hide it, change its shape, add scents, etc., thereby encouraging the specimens to search for, explore, play with, and manipulate their food as they would naturally in their habitat.

The production of these enrichments is carried out using the S.P.I.D.E.R. methodology, which stands for (S: setting goals; P: Planning; I: Implementing; D: Documenting; E: Evaluating; R: Re-Adjusting).

This model helps maintain consistency in the processes involved. The model includes the following steps:

• Goal Setting  (For what the enrichment will be produced)
• Planning  (What materials we will need and where and how it will be placed) 
• Implementation  (The enrichment is produced and placed) 
• Documentation/Recording  (Notes and photographs are taken at the time of placing the enrichments)
• Evaluation  (Determining whether the initial goals of the model were achieved)
• Re-adjustment  (Adjusting as necessary based on the evaluation)

Current Status of the Pumas and Jaguars

Based on the Mexican Official Standard NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010, which considers four risk categories for native species of Mexico's flora and fauna:

1.- Probablemente extinta en el medio silvestre (E)

2.- En peligro de extinción (P) 

3.- Amenazadas (A) 

4.- Sujetas a protección especial (Pr)

The Pumas (Puma concolor) in Mexico are not classified in any risk category or are listed as of least concern, while the Jaguars (Panthera onca) are categorized as endangered (P).

The specimens under our professional care meet the highest standards of animal welfare, which is why we are certified by national associations such as the Association of Zoos, Breeders, and Aquariums of Mexico (AZCARM) and international organizations like the Latin American Association of Parks, Zoos, and Aquariums (ALPZA).

These species are not only a wonder to behold but also essential components of their ecosystems, playing crucial roles in the food chain and contributing to the health of natural habitats.

The tireless work of the Conservation area at Xcaret is a reminder of the importance of protecting and preserving these species. Every effort, whether through education, research, or reforestation, brings us one step closer to ensuring a future where both pumas, jaguars, and other species can thrive.

We can also make a difference. That’s why it’s crucial for us to raise awareness and act accordingly. Some key actions include respecting speed limits while driving and being cautious in the areas and roads where these species live, as well as avoiding the promotion of illegal buying and selling of specimens.

By adopting sustainable practices, supporting conservation initiatives, and fostering respect for nature, we contribute to a world where biodiversity can flourish.

Caring for the planet is not just a responsibility; it’s a legacy we leave for future generations.

Let’s protect our common home and the wonderful creatures that inhabit it.🌎❤️