Hattiesburg Zoo announced the beginning of end-of-life care for their 21-year-old jaguar, Maya, on Thursday following two months of treatments for kidney failure and age-related illness. Maya has been with Hattiesburg Zoo for nine years and has surpassed the average life expectancy of 16 to 18 years for jaguars in captivity.
“As much as it pains us, it’s ultimately about her,” said the zoo’s veterinarian, Julie MacGregor. “We don’t want to prolong any suffering. If we tried to keep her around longer, that makes it about us. We want her quality of life to be the focus.”
“We’ve transitioned to a very transparent approach when it comes to end-of-life measures,” said the zoo’s animal curator, Stephen Taylor. “We know we’re attached to the animals, but this allows the community to come out and see the animals that they know may not be around much longer.”
Maya presented with symptoms of kidney failure back in January, when the zoo began treatments with fluids and antibiotics. While her kidney values remained level, she began presenting with signs of immobility and stiffness in her back and hips.
“She’s so well trained in all of her behaviors, and all of those behaviors have been key in extending her life here,” said Taylor. “Her being able to work with us, trust us and have that bond with us made us more attached to her, but has been critical in the level of care she’s received.”
