I can only imagine the mind-numbing horror that keepers at the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans felt when they came into work and found themselves down one jaguar. Of all the big cats - and I've worked with them all - the jaguar is the tensest, cagiest, wiliest, some might even say most neurotic of the cats. It's also the one that scares the willies out of me the most... and for good reason.
All I can say is, as so many are saying right now, is that Audubon keepers, I'm so sorry for your loss. You're to be congratulated for getting the cat back in safely. You can't beat yourself up for what happened to the animals that you've lost.
Oh, and do yourself a favor and stay off social media for the next few days.
A jaguar sits in the Jaguar Jungle at the Audubon Zoo Sunday, November 20, 2005 - Jennifer
Update: Unfortunately, the death toll from the jaguar's late night escapade has since climbed to nine as three other animals injured in the attack have succumbed to their injuries. I've taken to lurking on Audubon's social media platforms lately, and have been pleasantly surprised to see how supportive and sympathetic almost all of the commentators are. There are a few insensitive folks out there, but they're being drowned out/shouted down by the compassionate majority. Thank you to everyone for your support.
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