RIP Tikal - Jaguar Passes Away

I had a sad feeling for a week before learning last Monday, Our Precious Tikal had passed away.  Another week has gone by, a real sad one.  It's still raw, and often filled with many tears.

Tikal was born at the San Diego Zoo on 4/26/12.  He was moved to the Sacramento Zoo in August of 2013.  He moved to Our Zoo from Sacramento in May 2023.

A friend shared these cute photos, as she was lucky to see him within the first few days he was outside. 

I got to meet him the next day.  I remember him coming to the fence and it sounded like he was chuffing!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=G72q0vPuffQ

The moment I heard we were getting a Jaguar, I happily anticipated meeting my first traditional colored Jaguar.  I grew-up knowing Sabrina, a black Jaguar, who was a favorite of mine.  She lived at Our Zoo from 1976-1999.

Getting to know Tikal also provided another first, hearing a Jaguar vocalize.  I was away from his enclosure when I first heard a new sound.  I realized it was Tikal!   I ran over, so I could see, and record him still vocalizing.  During that time, I also heard Lulu, the new female Lion vocalizing.  I think they may have been calling out to each other.  I later learned that he had a crush on her!  Sniffing the doorway to her enclosure that adjoined his.  It was a cool sound, that I luckily got to hear a good amount of times.  

Listen here:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=UfP1_5z51b8

Tikal would be seen pacing the front of the enclosure.  Perimeter checking?  Monitoring the peoples?   Often it included along the glass wall that faces his Snow Leopard neighbor.  Early on it was clear that Raj was not a fan, but Tikal just seemed curious.  In addition to trying to catch a glimpse of Raj, he also spent alot of time lounging peacefully on the back platform in the sun.  He really seemed to enjoy playing with Enrichment Items.  Here are two favorite videos of him with very different toys.  

Playing with Barrel in his pool

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WR9EZJQTTPY&pp=0gcJCfwAo7VqN5tD

Playing with Nesting Material

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4dj4J0qeV18

I'm going to really miss him.  He was a good boy, and almost always came over to see me when I greeted him.

https://m.youtube.com/shorts/nB46M9isCDI

RIP Sweet Tikal, Bless Your Soul.

Thank you for the Friendship, Beautiful Boy.  It was wonderful to have known you, and have you be a part of my life.   I Love You.

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