ELMWOOD PARK ZOO`S JAGUAR DIES

ELMWOOD PARK ZOO’S JAGUAR DIES
18-year-old “Cali” succumbs to cancer
www.elmwoodparkzoo.org
1661 Harding Blvd
Norristown, PA 19401
P: 610.277.3825
F: 610.292.0332
NORRISTOWN – The Elmwood Park Zoo announced the passing of Cali
(pronounced “kah-lee”), an 18-year-old female jaguar, on Wednesday, July 9.
She had been receiving chemotherapy treatment after being diagnosed with
lymphoma in the fall of 2013. Zoo staff witnessed a substantial decline in Cali’s
condition and made the decision to euthanize her Wednesday morning.
The jaguar, named after the Hindu Goddess Kali and whose name means “the
black one”, was unlike typical spotted jaguars. Cali’s unique black coat was
caused by melanism, a common condition among felines that is caused by an
excess of the black pigment, melanin.
Cali was born at the Marion Nature Park in Ocala, Florida on September 19,
1995. She arrived at the Elmwood Park Zoo on January 1, 1996. Cali was
paired with Anasazi, Elmwood Park Zoo’s 2-year-old spotted male jaguar.
Although the original intention was to breed the cats, a lack of information
regarding Anasazi’s lineage prevented the Zoo from moving forward with a
breeding plan. Nevertheless, Anasazi and Cali remained close companions and
could often be seen playfully growling at each other throughout the day. Anasazi
passed away in the spring of 2013 at the age of 19 due to complications
resulting from kidney failure.
Cali’s passing marks the end of an era for the Elmwood Park Zoo. The jaguar is
closely related to the Zoo’s identity; a jaguar appears in the Elmwood Park Zoo
logo and the jaguar exhibit has been one of the Zoo’s most popular attractions
for twenty years.
The Elmwood Park Zoo has begun fundraising efforts for a capital campaign
that includes plans for a brand new jaguar exhibit, as well as exhibits for its
close relatives the ocelot and the jaguarundi. For more information on Elmwood
Park Zoo’s capital campaign, please visit the “Support Us” section at
www.elmwoodparkzoo.org.
About Elmwood Park Zoo
Located in Norristown, PA, the Elmwood Park Zoo is a premiere destination for families and wildlife
enthusiasts. The Zoo features over 100 animals, primarily native to North, Central and South
America. Elmwood Park Zoo offers guests both unique wildlife encounters as well as one-of-a-kind
entertainment opportunities. The Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is
owned and operated by the Norristown Zoological Society, a non-profit organization.
For more information about upcoming Zoo events, visit http://elmwoodparkzoo.org.
Elmwood Park Zoo’s mission is to foster an appreciation for wildlife and the environment that will inspire active participation in conservation.
1661 Harding Boulevard Norristown, PA 19401 P. 610.277.3825 F. 610.292.0332 www.elmwoodparkzoo.org