Jaguar - Black
& Spotted

Image
The jaguar, a compact and well-muscled animal, is the largest cat in the New World and the largest carnivorous mammal in Central and South America. Weights are normally in the range of 56–96 kg (124–211 lb). Females are typically 10–20% smaller than males. The length, from the nose to the base of the tail, of the cats varies from 1.2 to 1.95 m (3.9 to 6.4 ft). Their tails are the shortest of any big cat, at 45 to 75 cm (18 to 30 in) in length. The jaguar stands 63 to 76 cm (25 to 30 in) tall at the shoulders.

A melanistic jaguar is a color morph which occurs at about 6% frequency in populations.

Color morphism occurs in the species. A near-black melanistic form occurs regularly. Jaguars with melanism appear entirely black, although their spots are still visible on close examination.

The black morph is less common than the spotted form but, at about six percent of the population, it is several orders of magnitude above the rate of mutation. Hence, it is being supported by selection. Some evidence indicates the melanism allele is dominant.

Melanistic jaguars are informally known as black panthers, but (as with all forms of polymorphism) they do not form a separate species.

Extremely rare albino individuals, sometimes called white panthers, also occur among jaguars, as with the other big cats. As usual with albinos in the wild, selection keeps the frequency close to the rate of mutation.
Image

Jaguar - Black & White

Image
The jaguar, a compact and well-muscled animal, is the largest cat in the New World and the largest carnivorous mammal in Central and South America. Weights are normally in the range of 56–96 kg (124–211 lb). Females are typically 10–20% smaller than males. The length, from the nose to the base of the tail, of the cats varies from 1.2 to 1.95 m (3.9 to 6.4 ft). Their tails are the shortest of any big cat, at 45 to 75 cm (18 to 30 in) in length. The jaguar stands 63 to 76 cm (25 to 30 in) tall at the shoulders.

A melanistic jaguar is a color morph which occurs at about 6% frequency in populations.

Color morphism occurs in the species. A near-black melanistic form occurs regularly. Jaguars with melanism appear entirely black, although their spots are still visible on close examination.

The black morph is less common than the spotted form but, at about six percent of the population, it is several orders of magnitude above the rate of mutation. Hence, it is being supported by selection. Some evidence indicates the melanism allele is dominant.

Melanistic jaguars are informally known as black panthers, but (as with all forms of polymorphism) they do not form a separate species.

Extremely rare albino individuals, sometimes called white panthers, also occur among jaguars, as with the other big cats. As usual with albinos in the wild, selection keeps the frequency close to the rate of mutation.
Image

Jaguar - Black & White

Image
The jaguar, a compact and well-muscled animal, is the largest cat in the New World and the largest carnivorous mammal in Central and South America. Weights are normally in the range of 56–96 kg (124–211 lb). Females are typically 10–20% smaller than males. The length, from the nose to the base of the tail, of the cats varies from 1.2 to 1.95 m (3.9 to 6.4 ft). Their tails are the shortest of any big cat, at 45 to 75 cm (18 to 30 in) in length. The jaguar stands 63 to 76 cm (25 to 30 in) tall at the shoulders.

A melanistic jaguar is a color morph which occurs at about 6% frequency in populations.

Color morphism occurs in the species. A near-black melanistic form occurs regularly. Jaguars with melanism appear entirely black, although their spots are still visible on close examination.

The black morph is less common than the spotted form but, at about six percent of the population, it is several orders of magnitude above the rate of mutation. Hence, it is being supported by selection. Some evidence indicates the melanism allele is dominant.

Melanistic jaguars are informally known as black panthers, but (as with all forms of polymorphism) they do not form a separate species.

Extremely rare albino individuals, sometimes called white panthers, also occur among jaguars, as with the other big cats. As usual with albinos in the wild, selection keeps the frequency close to the rate of mutation.
Image

ZWF Tour Details

Important, Need-To-Know Information About Our Tours

Image
Encounter our animal ambassadors for a once in a lifetime experience!



ZWF Tour Details

Important, Need-To-Know Information About Our Tours

Image
Encounter our animal ambassadors for a once in a lifetime experience!



ZWF Tour Details

Important, Need-To-Know Information About Our Tours
Image
Encounter our animal ambassadors for a once in a lifetime experience!

  • "MOST BEAUTIFUL & MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE!!!! I’m so happy I went to ZWF, my kids had the best time, also learned some cool info on the tour! Loved how gorgeous & healthy the animals are, very clean property! Overall amazing experience!!!"

    -VISITED MARCH 2021
  • "I had a phenomenal time with Michael the tour guide when I attended my tour. He was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the animals and the necessary care that is required. He made our visit very friendly and fun and I could not imagine having anyone else as my tour guide. Unfortunately, there was not a lion cub for me to hold, but we made up for it holding several reptiles, and a few different monkeys. I would highly recommend coming here to see the different animals and would highly recommend Michael the tour guide as the leader of the tour!"

    -VISITED JANUARY 2021
  • "We had such a great time, loved the entire experience. Such a well run facility and great staff. Thank you ZWF for taking such good care of our animals. We love ZFW."

    -VISITED FEBRUARY 2021
  • "We did the cub encounter and LOVED IT! Never get tired of visiting ZWF. A must go go! I am always recommending family and friends to come by and visit. We’ve been here a hand full of times and still continue to love every second of it."

    -VISITED OCTOBER 2020
  • "MOST BEAUTIFUL & MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE!!!! I’m so happy I went to ZWF, my kids had the best time, also learned some cool info on the tour! Loved how gorgeous & healthy the animals are, very clean property! Overall amazing experience!!!"

    -VISITED MARCH 2021
  • "I had a phenomenal time with Michael the tour guide when I attended my tour. He was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the animals and the necessary care that is required. He made our visit very friendly and fun and I could not imagine having anyone else as my tour guide. Unfortunately, there was not a lion cub for me to hold, but we made up for it holding several reptiles, and a few different monkeys. I would highly recommend coming here to see the different animals and would highly recommend Michael the tour guide as the leader of the tour!"

    -VISITED JANUARY 2021
  • "We had such a great time, loved the entire experience. Such a well run facility and great staff. Thank you ZWF for taking such good care of our animals. We love ZFW."

    -VISITED FEBRUARY 2021
  • "We did the cub encounter and LOVED IT! Never get tired of visiting ZWF. A must go go! I am always recommending family and friends to come by and visit. We’ve been here a hand full of times and still continue to love every second of it."

    -VISITED OCTOBER 2020