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Title: Jaguar kills zookeeper in Denver
Source: Scotsman
URL Source: http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=300072007
Published: Feb 24, 2007
Author: Keith Coffman
Post Date: 2007-02-24 20:17:13 by Red Jones
Keywords: None
Views: 1618
Comments: 24

Sat 24 Feb 2007

Jaguar kills zookeeper in Denver

By Keith Coffman

DENVER (Reuters)- A male jaguar killed a zookeeper at the Denver Zoo on Saturday and employees put the animal down, police said.

"I can confirm that a female worker was killed and we're still conducting an investigation," Denver Police spokesman Sonny Jackson said.

According to a statement posted on the zoo's Web site http://(www.denverzoo.org), the 6-year-old jaguar attacked the unidentified worker inside its enclosure late Saturday morning. Armed employees entered the enclosure to retrieve the injured woman when the cat threatened them.

"The jaguar approached staff trying to assist the zookeeper and it was shot and killed," the statement said.

The mauled worker was transported to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead, Jackson said. Her identity and age were not released.

The zoo was closed after the incident, but the public was never in danger, zoo officials said.

The 140-pound jaguar, named Jorge, came to the Denver Zoo from the Santa Cruz Zoo in Bolivia in March 2005 after he was orphaned in the wild. This month, the zoo announced it had obtained a 16-month-old female jaguar to breed with Jorge.

(c) Reuters 2007. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by caching, framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters and the Reuters sphere logo are registered trademarks and trademarks of the Reuters group of companies around the world.

This article: http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=300072007

Poster Comment:

bad kitty!

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#1. To: Red Jones (#0)

The 140-pound jaguar, named Jorge, came to the Denver Zoo from the Santa Cruz Zoo in Bolivia in March 2005 after he was orphaned in the wild.

Ya' can't trust those damned macho hispanic Bolivian cats. The wonders of immigration even in the animal world.

Law Enforcement Against Prohibition



"If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may know peace." -Thomas Paine

IndieTX  posted on  2007-02-24   20:28:53 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  

#2. To: Red Jones, neil McIver, diana, robin, lodwick, red jones.swarthy guy, tommythemadartist, zipporah, christine, (#0)

he 140-pound jaguar, named Jorge, came to the Denver Zoo from the Santa Cruz Zoo in Bolivia in March 2005 after he was orphaned in the wild. This month, the zoo announced it had obtained a 16-month-old female jaguar to breed with Jorge.

I am one of the few people you know that has been attacked by a jaguar Maybe the only person you know?

Not quite as dramatic as it may appear, tho, but I prolly still have scars.

Had taken a trip down the Rio Napo on a tree dugout canoue in the Equadorian Amazon basin from Misauyei (sp) to Coca, next to the Peruvian border.

Our $12/night hotel had a small managarie of local animals caged up in the back.

One cage had two jaguars kits. I am bad about guessing the age of jaguar kits, but maybe they were two months old - bout the size of a normal Sylvesterius, but they are squatter, at least at that point in their lives.

I was fascinated. Consequently I bowed down to get a better look at the amazing animals.

KARAMMM - one of the kits, faster than light (I mean that) got into position and threw it's paw out the cage wires and slashed the left side of the top of my head.

I had NO IDEA or thought that I was putting myself in harms way, the sucker was just supernaturally quick. Have NEVER seen an animal move so quickly before or since. Made Sylvester seem slow.

My friends laughed themselves sick with the notion that a jaguar had attacked me.

The wound wasn't bad - BUT in the tropics with a feline scratch I knew the score. Cleaned it throughly and got some peroxide from the Pharmicia, and paid good attention to it for the next few days.

The next day some kids came up to us with monkeys in cigerette packs. Yes. One guy came up and was talking to me and I noticed there were three monkeys hanging onto his hair. Tiny guys, bout the size of your thumbs. They said if thay ate any amount of chocolate they would die immeadiately.

I bet Neil knows what they are. An adult wanted to sell us a remarkable skull of an adult jaguar, for what seems like $40. I figured US customs would shoot me on the tarmac if they saw that. An oil company had a fenced in pipeyard nearby. For the guard it had a (I think) tapir, like a supercharged boar, rooting around in it. I think pit bulls would take one look at that and head to the doggy parlor for a pedicure. I know I had no intention of jumping that fence.

tom007  posted on  2007-02-24   20:53:21 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  

#3. To: tom007 (#2)

For the guard it had a (I think) tapir, like a supercharged boar, rooting around in it. I think pit bulls would take one look at that and head to the doggy parlor for a pedicure. I know I had no intention of jumping that fence.

"Attacks on humans Tapirs are generally shy, but when they are scared they can defend themselves with their very powerful jaws. In 1998, a zookeeper in Oklahoma City was mauled and had an arm severed by a tapir bite, after she attempted to feed the attacking tapir's young.[21] In 2006, a 46-year-old man (who was the Environmental Minister at turn) who was lost in the Costa Rican jungle was found by a search party with a "nasty bite" from a wild tapir.[22] However, such examples are rare; for the most part, tapirs are likely to avoid confrontation in favor of running from predators, hiding, or, if possible, submerging themselves in nearby water until a threat is gone."__wiki

HOUNDDAWG  posted on  2007-02-24   21:17:20 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  

#4. To: HOUNDDAWG (#3)

However, such examples are rare; for the most part, tapirs are likely to avoid confrontation in favor of running from predators, hiding, or, if possible, submerging themselves in nearby water until a threat is gone."__wiki

They do present an intimidating presence.

tom007  posted on  2007-02-24   21:22:08 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  

#5. To: tom007, HOUNDDAWG (#2)

like i said, tom. never a dull moment. ;)

(you and dawg have some great stories)

christine  posted on  2007-02-24   21:36:45 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  

#6. To: Red Jones (#0)

The poor animal always pays the ultimate penalty for doing what comes naturally.

Remember...G-d saved more animals than people on the ark. www.siameserescue.org

who knows what evil  posted on  2007-02-24   22:03:58 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  

#7. To: All (#0)

Galatians 3:29 And if ye [be] Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Red Jones  posted on  2007-02-24   22:12:49 ET  (1 image) Reply   Trace   Private Reply  

#8. To: Red Jones (#7)

"The Look Of Love is in your eyes........"

tom007  posted on  2007-02-24   22:20:43 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  

#9. To: tom007 (#8)

my neutered male cat tries to do it with my spayed female cat all the time. But he is unsuccessful. She lets him try, but he can't.

Galatians 3:29 And if ye [be] Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Red Jones  posted on  2007-02-24   22:26:16 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  

#10. To: Red Jones (#9)

my neutered male cat tries to do it with my spayed female cat all the time. But he is unsuccessful. She lets him try, but he can't.

Sounds like a really disfunctional family.

tom007  posted on  2007-02-24   22:30:41 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  

#11. To: tom007 (#10)

yes but they love each other.

Galatians 3:29 And if ye [be] Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Red Jones  posted on  2007-02-24   23:00:44 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  

#12. To: tom007 (#2)

I've seen pictures of monkeys that are about the size of a thumb (hugging a thumb, actually), but don't know what they are called.

Pinguinite.com

Neil McIver  posted on  2007-02-24   23:32:43 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  

#13. To: Neil McIver, diana, robin (#12) (Edited)

They seemed to be very little people. I was totally taken with them - the guy had three of them hanging in his hair.

tom007  posted on  2007-02-25   0:07:13 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  

#14. To: tom007 (#13)

(from: http://pinkrabbitsays.typepad.com/photos/google_images_strikes_aga/tiny_monkeys.html)

Pinguinite.com

Neil McIver  posted on  2007-02-25   9:10:59 ET  (1 image) Reply   Trace   Private Reply  

#15. To: Neil McIver, Tom 007 (#14)

Are those full grown? Those really are cute!!! Sure wouldn't cost much to feed them would it. Wouldn't be hard to lose them either, and you'd better not have a house cat around!

No matter how noble the objectives of a government; if it blurs decency and kindness, cheapens human life, and breeds ill will and suspicion - it is an EVIL government. Eric Hoffer

innieway  posted on  2007-02-25   9:27:29 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  

#16. To: innieway (#15)

my cats would really like those monkeys. I wonder where we can get them mail- order.

Galatians 3:29 And if ye [be] Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Red Jones  posted on  2007-02-25   10:52:12 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  

#17. To: christine (#14)

You might enjoy that pic.

Pinguinite.com

Neil McIver  posted on  2007-02-25   12:17:39 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  

#18. To: innieway (#15)

I don't know if they are adults or not. Two names come up on searches: Marmosets and Tamarins. They are from the upper amazon basin which would be (relatively) close to me. I'm sure it would be next to impossible to get one as a pet/companion. (Doesn't seem quite right to call them pets somehow).

Pinguinite.com

Neil McIver  posted on  2007-02-25   12:23:13 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  

#19. To: innieway (#15)

Seems the photo shows monkeys that are probably short of full grown.

From: http://www.snowcrest.net/goehring/a2/primates/marmoset.htm

COMMON NAMES:

Marmosets and Tamarins

SCIENTIFIC NAMES:

There are two genera that fall under the category of marmosets, Callithrix and Cebuella. Between these two genera, there is a total of 8 species of marmosets. Below is a list of each species common name and its scientific name:

    Callithrix genus:

  • Tassel-ear marmoset (C. humeralifer)
  • Bare-ear marmoset (C. argentata)
  • Common marmoset (C. jacchus)
  • Black tufted-ear marmoset (C. penicillata)
  • Buffy tufted-ear marmoset (C. aurita)

  • Geoffroy's tufted-ear marmoset (C. geoffroyi)
  • Buffy-headed marmoset (C. flaviceps)

    Cebuella genus:

  • Pygmy marmoset (C. pygmaea)

There are also two genera under the category of tamarins, Saguinus and Leontopithecus. Between these two genera, there is a total of 12 species of tamarins. Their common and scientific names are as follows:

    Saguinus genus:

  • Black-mantle tamarin (S. nigricollis)
  • Saddle-back tamarin (S. fuscicollis)
  • Black-chested mustached tamarin (S. mystax)
  • Red-chested mustached tamarin (S. libiatus)
  • Emperor tamarin (S. imperator)

  • Red-handed tamarin (S. midas)
  • Mottle-faced tamarin (S. inustus)
  • Pied bare-face tamarin (S. bicolor)
  • Cotton-top tamarin (S. oedipus)
  • Geoffroy's tamarin (S. geoffroyi)
  • Silvery-brown bare-faced tamarin (S. leucopus)

    Leontopithecus genus:

  • Lion tamarin (L. rosalia)

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION:

Marmosets and tamarins have fine, silky, multicolored and marked coats. Markings, including colors and patterns, are species specific, with each species having unique tufts, manes, and mustaches. This makes marmosets and tamarins the most diverse and colorful of the New World primates.

Sizes range from 7-7.5 in. with a 7.5 in. and a mass of 120-190 kg of the Pygmy marmoset, to 13-16 in. with a 10-15 in. tail and a mass of 630-710 kg of the Lion tamarin. These primates are "squirl-like" in size and stature and have claws on all digits, except the big toe, which has a nail. Their hind legs are especially useful for holding onto a limb while reaching for a piece of fruit or an insect. The claws provide a sure, steady anchor.

The tails of these primates are not prehensile, and is used in balancing while climbing, leaping, and reaching. They are considered quadrupeds, with grasping hands on all appendages. They are very agile creatures, crossing from tree to tree by running along branches at incredibly fast speeds.

Females have a simple uterus, while both sexes lack a rear inner cusp on the upper molars, suggesting that they are advanced primates which have evolved to a smaller size due largely to an insectivorous diet.

Marmosets and tamarins do have a variety of facial expressions, which help aid in communication, but not near the amount as many of their other primate cousins do. Their teeth are similar in arrangement to that of other primates, having the dental formula of , one more premolar and one less molar than most other primates. They are typical of New World monkeys in that their nose has a very wide septum, and forward-pointing nostrils. Their eyes are very human looking, and are usually brown in color.

GEOGRAPHY:

Marmosets and tamarins are found in the northern, central, east coastal, and Amazon regions of South America, including modern-day Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and Panama. Groups are found in both mountain and valley regions (but never of a very high altitude), in areas dense in tall trees.

HABITAT:

Jungles rich in tall, fruit-bearing trees are favorite living areas of tamarins and marmosets. This is largely due to their diet of various fruits, gums, flowers, insects, and saps. They have been known to also inhabit dryer, semi-deciduous forests. Each group claims an area of about 25-100 acres for themselves, roaming at least one-third of it daily.

Tall, old-growth trees are very important to these small primates since holes in very tall, old trees are the preferred areas for sleeping, offering the greatest protection from predators. They are primarily diurnal, fearing the night, seeking safety in the trees from predators.

DIET:

Tamarins and marmosets gain their nourishment primarily through fruits. This stapple is augmented by nectars, flowers, saps, gums, and small animals such as frogs, lizards, insects, and spiders. They have also been known to eat leaf buds, but not mature leaves.

In almost all species, it appears that each individuals size is effected by the abundance of food, as well as the type of food that it is able to feed upon from the time of intfantcy. This has been said about humans too, the better a child's nutrition, the better chances they have of reaching their full size potential.

Marmosets and tamarins are very clever in that they gouge trees so that the tree will produce saps and gums for them to feed upon. Although this is not the main ingredient of their diet, it is a favorite "treat," and an abundancy of gouges can be observed in the trees that are in areas that these small animals frequent.

A majority of the species of marmosets and tamarins spend between 25 and 30% of their time searching through leaves, trees, and brush for insects and other small prey. An interesting observation is that almost each species is highly adapted and dependent upon the edible resources found in their specific area. This is why you will never see more than one species of marmoset in a particular area, and rarely more than one species of tamarin in a specific area.

SOCIAL STRUCTURE:

Marmosets and tamarins are very social animals, and live in family groups ranging from 4 to 15 members. As a rule, each family is very territorial, and protects and keeps a range of 25 to 100 acres as theirs. The only exception to this is found in saddle-back and emperor tamarins, where sometimes families of either species will share certain areas with each other. Zoologists are still uncertain as to why this behavior happens, but it is clear that both groups watch out for one another by helping keep an eye pout for predators, and signaling the other group in times of danger.

These creatures are extremely active, and roam about one-third of their territory daily, traveling up to 1.2 miles in one day. Marmosets and tamarins protect their territories from each other by calling, chasing, displaying, and posturing. They are not violent creatures and rarely take any physical action against a tress-passer.

Territories are marked with scents produced by chest and suprapubic glands, recognized by that family. Scent appears to also be a way of communication other than just boundary marking. A member can leave a scent in an area frequented by other members, almost like a note, conveying an impression or "message" to the member that smells it. Facial expressions and chattering are primary ways of communication, as well as posturing and fur bristling. Although marmosets and tamarins do not have as wide a variety of facial expressions as many other primates, they still have more facial muscle control than most other animals.

As in almost every other type of primate, grooming plays a key element in the social structure of the group. Communal grooming is a very important part of family relations, especially between mothers and offspring and breeding pairs. Grooming is important to rid the skin and fur of parasites, dirt, and debris.

Sexuality plays little part in the social structure, with only one female able to breed per season. She may mate with more than one male, and almost always gives birth to non-identical twins. Breeding females usually change with each new breeding season.

Although sex is not a primary social element, infants and young are. The entire family unit help care for the young, as well as the mother during and soon after pregnancy. Even males will help carry the young for the first two weeks after birth, until the baby is mobile. Group members will often bring food to the youngsters, as well as the new mother, especially while she is pregnant.

REPRODUCTIVE STRATEGY:

Female marmosets and tamarins can produce up to 2 litters a year. Gestation lasts from 130 to 170 days, with birth weight as high as 19 to 25% of the mother's body weight

There are almost always non-identical twins born each time, which are entirely dependent upon the mother and family for the first two weeks, and can travel independently by two months.

Sexual maturity is reached between 12 and 18 months of age, with full growth being reached at about two years of age. The young are playful, often disrupting the family unit and being mischevious.

CURRENT CONDITIONS:

Unfortunately, many of the marmoset and tamarin species are either threatened or endangered due to deforestation. These small primates are very vulnerable to habitat destruction due to their limited and specialized diets.

Populations were drastically decimated during the 1970's when thousands were being exported legally for biomedical research, as well as pets and zoo exhibits. Today, thankfully, actions are being taken to preserve their natural habitat and increase their populations. Currently, only Bolivia, Panama, and French Guinea still permit their export.

REFERENCES:

Mammals: A Multimedia Encyclopedia, National Geographic Society, Washington D.C., 1990.

Rosen, S.I., Introduction to the Primates, Living in Fossil, 1974.

Buettner-Janusch, John, Evolutionary and Genetic Biology of Primates, Vol. II, 1964.

Schultz, Adolph H., The Life of Primates, 1969.

All the Worlds Animals-Primates, Torstar Books, 1984.

Eimerl, Sarel and DeVor, Irvin, The Primates, Time Life Nature Library, 1965.

Pinguinite.com

Neil McIver  posted on  2007-02-25   12:33:49 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  

#20. To: Neil McIver (#19)

izes range from 7-7.5 in. with a 7.5 in. and a mass of 120-190 kg o

Bet a dollar they ment to say gram.

tom007  posted on  2007-02-25   14:50:45 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  

#21. To: Neil McIver (#18)

m sure it would be next to impossible to get one as a pet/companion. (

They are being sold in the US for 2-4,000$, much to my surprise. Wish I could remember how much they were in Ecuador in 1984.

http://www.primatestore.com/forsale.asp

tom007  posted on  2007-02-25   14:58:37 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  

#22. To: Neil McIver, tom007 (#19)

both sexes lack a rear inner cusp on the upper molars, suggesting that they are advanced primates which have evolved to a smaller size due largely to an insectivorous diet.

funny little creatures, unlike Jaguars.

Victory means exit strategy, and it’s important for the President to explain to us what the exit strategy is. ~George W. Bush
(About the quote: Speaking on the war in Kosovo.)

robin  posted on  2007-02-25   15:02:10 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  

#23. To: innieway, neil McIver (#15)

Are those full grown? T

I don't think so - the ones I saw were bigger by two, and may not have been adults. Think I could have bot em for $5.00 or so. I was entranced by them, esp as I was talking to one fellow and gradually noticed three of em in his hair, as happy as monkeys.

tom007  posted on  2007-02-25   22:23:23 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  

#24. To: robin (#22)

funny little creatures, unlike Jaguars.

Yep. Nobody in the town of Coca was selling pet jaguars, and I know why.

tom007  posted on  2007-02-25   22:24:34 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  

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