(KRON) — A San Jose zoo recently welcomed a jaguar as its newest resident.
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo announced the arrival of Sonries, a 9-year-old male jaguar that previously resided at Los Angeles Zoo. The big cat, who was born at Living Desert Zoo in Palm Desert, has been getting comfortable in his new home after a behind-the-scenes acclimation period. Sonries’ name is inspired by the Spanish word “sonreír,” meaning, “to smile.” As an ambassador for his species, Sonries will help zoo visitors learn about the challenges jaguars face in the wild and efforts to protect them. Native to Central and South America, jaguars are the largest cats in the Americas.
Zoo officials wrote, “Guests visiting Sonries may spot him climbing, exploring, scent-marking, or relaxing in the habitat as he settles into his new home. Sonries’ zookeepers recommend patience to get the best view while he continues to acclimate to his space, he may choose a resting spot near the back of his habitat or have the choice to go inside. But with a little patience and the right timing, you may be rewarded with a great view of this handsome big cat.”
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Happy Hollow Zoo supports conservation organizations working to protect jaguars and their habitats in the wild, including Kaminando Habitat Connectivity Initiative in Panama, Jaguar ID Project in Brazil, and S.P.E.C.I.E.S. in the Gran Chaco region of South America. The zoo is located at 748 Story Road, and it’s open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m…