At the Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent, excitement is in the air as Kira, a jaguar, recently gave birth to a black jaguar cub, nicknamed Baby. Born seven weeks ago as part of an endangered species breeding program, Baby is the first jaguar cub to be born at the sanctuary. With jaguar populations dwindling in the wild, Baby’s birth is a vital contribution to the species’ future.

Black jaguars are rare, making up only 10% of the species. Native to 18 countries across Central and South America, jaguars are classified as “near threatened” by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. The sanctuary’s curator, Briony Smith, reports that both mom and cub are thriving. Baby is described as active, curious, and adventurous, already a handful for her calm and attentive mother, Kira.

As Baby grows, her role in the breeding program could play a critical part in preserving jaguars, offering hope for the species’ reintroduction into the wild in future generations. The sanctuary eagerly anticipates Baby’s first venture outdoors in the coming weeks, marking a milestone in her journey.