A young jaguar is the newest addition to the OC Zoo’s Large Mammal Exhibit, joining four large cats in the new section of the zoo.
Mickey, an 11-month-old jaguar, comes to the OC Zoo from the Wildlife World Zoo in Arizona just months after his brother, Ziggy, debuted in the zoo’s new, 2-acre habitat.
“We are thrilled to welcome Mickey, the newest jaguar, to the OC Zoo,” said Chairman Donald P. Wagner, Orange County Board of Supervisors. “The OC Zoo continues to offer a unique, enjoyable and affordable experience for families. Since the opening of the Large Mammal Exhibit last year, the OC Zoo has drawn a record number of visitors, where people of all ages can see animals up close and learn about local wildlife.”
Since its opening in May, the Large Mammal Exhibit marks the largest expansion project in the zoo’s history, providing a home for five large cats in a comfortable, natural-looking environment. The area also features artificial rock walls, climbing platforms, a waterfall and several viewing areas for the public to see the large cats up-close.
In May 2022, the zoo welcomed two young, orphaned mountain lion sisters to the exhibit, along with a young, injured male mountain lion and an adult jaguar.
Considered endangered by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, jaguars’ range includes the southwest of Arizona and New Mexico, south to Argentina and northeastern Brazil. Mickey, along with the other large cats, will be available for the public to visit Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission into the OC Zoo is $2 per person ages 3 years and over; ages 2 years and under are free.
