Ocelot kitten nearly ready to explore exhibit for the first time
The update you’ve all been waiting for: our ocelot kitten is nearly ready to head out on exhibit for the first time!
Our animal care and veterinary teams recently had their second checkup with our male ocelot kitten, and all signs are once again positive!
The kitten was weighed, jumping up to about 5 pounds after clocking in at 2 pounds during his first checkup. After further examination like having his paws looked at, heartbeat checked and receiving some immunizations, he was reunited with mom, Anahi (9).
After the checkup, it was determined that the kitten is set to go out on exhibit! This is a massive step in his growth, as he will get the chance to explore his habitat for the first time very soon. It will also give Buffalo Zoo visitors their first chance to meet the kitten face-to-face!
The kitten is set to have access to our ocelot exhibit in M&T Bank Rainforest Falls beginning in the coming days. Stay tuned to our Buffalo Zoo social medias for an official date announcement!
While it is an exciting time for our kitten, it is important to emphasize that there is no guarantee he will be out and visible while he gets comfortable with his habitat. Visitors may have to be patient to see the kitten when the time comes, and there is a possibility he may not appear at all. The kitten will have access to both his behind the scenes space and the exhibit as the process begins, and he will have the choice to stay inside or explore.
With the kitten soon heading out on exhibit, it’s about time to give him a name too! Check back in with our Buffalo Zoo social medias for naming updates in the very near future.
The male kitten’s birth marked the third ocelot born at the Buffalo Zoo over the past 10 years, a testament to the incredible knowledge and dedication of our animal care team. As he makes his public debut, it’s important to recognize the hard work of our staff, who created a safe, positive environment for the kitten and Anahi to bond.
Their strategies to promote a safe, effective space for the cats. These techniques for ocelot breeding have been shared with other zoos in hopes they find similar positive results.
While ocelots as a whole are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List due to their strong populations in Central and South America, there are major worries about their decreasing numbers in the southwestern United States.
Ocelots are deemed endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. While these cats once roamed much of southern Texas, it is believed there are around just 100 left in the region near the Mexican border.
