JAGUAR TWINS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23175, 22 October 1938, Page 12

JAGUAR TWINS

BIRTH AT THE ZOO BOTH KITTENS THRIVING AN UNUSUAL EVENT AUTHORITIES' PROBLEM Something in the nature of a zoological triumph has been achieved by the birth of a pair of strong and healthy jaguar kittens at the Auckland Zoological Park. For these animals to be bred successfully in captivity is a rarity, but the latest additions to Auckland's large zoo family are thriving, and they have already constituted a New Zealand record by being the first to survive for mote than a few hours. Of the larger members of the feline family, the lion and puma breed well and the tiger and the leopard poorly, while very little success is obtained with jaguars. Of the few kittens born in captivity elsewhere, very few have lived, for the mothers frequently reveal a strange and fierce carnivorous bent and devour their offspring within a few days of birth. For the zoo authorities, the care of the female jaguar has presented almost a Plunket problem. The management includes the feeding of comparatively large quantities of calcium phosphate together with blood and rice as a source of vitamin D, for some weeks before birth and until weaning is completed. The diet also includes sods of turf, which are devoured greedily during this period. The birth of the kittens at Auckland initiated another zoo domestic drama. Paternal pride and a remarkable interest in his new responsibilities were shown by the male jaguar. He took the head of one of the twins in his mouth and carried the kitten around the arena before returning it unharmed to the mother's side. It was at this stage, however, that the zoo authorities took a hand. For fear of accidents, it was thought well fco segregate the head of the family, and mother and children are now left to work out their own salvation.