The Houston Zoo is facing a somber moment following the loss of Tesoro, an 11-year-old male jaguar, who was humanely euthanized due to complications arising from a severe leg injury. Tesoro’s health had deteriorated significantly in the weeks following surgery for a fractured elbow, with the zoo’s veterinary team ultimately determining that no further medical interventions could improve his quality of life. On noticing signs of distress in early May, staff discovered not only the fracture but also underlying arthritis and elbow dysplasia, conditions prevalent in older big cats.
Despite receiving meticulous post-operative care from the zoo’s dedicated team of veterinarians and animal keepers, Tesoro’s condition worsened, leading to an emergency intervention. The team found that he had re-broken his leg and was suffering from renal failure, a critical state where kidney function is compromised. This heartbreaking conclusion came after years of Tesoro serving as a charismatic ambassador for jaguar conservation, engaging visitors with his distinctive appearance and vibrant energy.
Arriving at the Houston Zoo as a cub in 2015, Tesoro quickly became a favorite among guests and a symbol of conservation education, highlighting the threats facing jaguars in the wild. His legacy continues through his young cub, Rojo, who lives in the Pantanal habitat with his mother, Vida. The Houston Zoo remains committed to global conservation through initiatives like Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE), actively supporting efforts to protect jaguars in Belize’s Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, a testament to Tesoro’s enduring impact on conservation advocacy.