Originally from Parc des Félins, Chincha joined the Dartmoor Zoo family on 21st April 2015, and now exactly 11 years later, he’s making the return journey to his birthplace France, to become part of an international breeding program with Zoo d’Amnéville.
CEO, Dr David Gibson commented:
“Whilst it is sad to see the lovely Chincha leaving our collection, it is fantastic to know that he will be given the chance to breed and therefore preserve his highly valuable genetics within the global population of zoo held Jaguars. Zoo d’Amnéville has a wealth of experience with this species and we know he will be exceptionally well cared for.”
As a much-beloved resident of Dartmoor Zoo, saying goodbye has been particularly difficult for staff and guests alike who have formed incredible bonds with Chincha over his time here. However, everyone is also incredibly excited for Chincha’s next chapter and to see him make a vital conservation impact by becoming a dad!
Head Keeper, Jenna Crawford commented:
“We’re so delighted to have provided a loving home for Chincha these past 11 years. We have absolutely no doubt that he is going to be an exceptional member of the collection at Zoo d’Amnéville, and whilst we will of course miss him, there is no greater reward as a keeper than seeing the collaborative efforts of multiple zoological institutions pay off. Chincha is beginning his journey into the vital conservation and breeding program for his species, and thanks to the teams here at Dartmoor and Zoo d’Amnéville, the safety net for jaguars will continue to thrive.
In a fitting farewell, Chincha will leave us exactly 11 years to the day that he arrived from France! Paws crossed his French isn’t too rusty!”
We’d also like to thank SafetyLiftinGear and CBL Saltash & Central Parts for helping make this move possible. SafetyLiftinGear, generously donated their time along with essential lifting, rigging, jacking, and height safety equipment, while CBL donated their time and a telehandler to ensure the smooth running of the move.
