The Hattiesburg Zoo has announced the death of its jaguar that had been battling serious health issues.
Officials announced on Wednesday that Maya, the zoo’s beloved jaguar, was humanely put down after a rough battle with kidney disease. While Maya reportedly responded well to medical treatments, she began to experience other age–related issues.
Zoo staff report that within the past week, Maya became less interested in her outdoor activities, and her behaviors pointed to rapidly declining age-related symptoms.
“End-of-life decisions are never easy for the animal care team. Our team, including Dr. MacGregor, has been heavily engaged in observation of Maya, reviewing her medical test results and considering the effectiveness of ongoing medical treatments,” Kristen Moore, Director of Wildlife for the Hattiesburg Zoo, said. “We came to the sad, but united decision that it was in Maya’s best interest and welfare to administer life-ending treatment this morning.”
The Hattiesburg Zoo’s animal keepers, guest services team, and food and beverage staff gave Maya a special 22nd early birthday surprise this past Monday. The jaguar was presented with a special birthday cake and her outdoor habitat was decorated with Taylor Swift-inspired birthday signs and streamers.
“Maya lived a long and wonderful life,” Dr. Julia MacGregor, Hattiesburg Zoo’s veterinarian, said. “It is rare for a jaguar to have that long of a life, and her team of keepers have truly provided her with the utmost in quality care.”
In the meantime, visitors are encouraged to bring flowers and photos to memorialize Maya in front of the jaguar habitat.
