The newest resident at Mérida’s Centenario zoo.Photo: 2021 file photo
The birth of a jaguar cub in Mérida’s city zoo was announced on Mayor Renan Barrera Concha’s Twitter account.
The feline, which is endemic to the Yucatan, has become an endangered species due to factors such as habitat loss.
The birth of jaguars in captivity is an uncommon occurrence, with the previous birth being recorded in the Culiacán zoo in Northern Mexico. Reproduction of endangered species in captivity is seen as a reason for celebration by conservationist, however, experts warn against placing too much hope on such events without addressing the root causes of the problem.
Zoo authorities have said that they will be launching a contest to come up with a name for the cub, but no further details have been made public.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTERDelivered to your inbox every Monday, completely free.
¡Tenemos una buena noticia!. Hace unos días nació un jaguar negro en el zoológico el Centenario, una especie endémica y en peligro de extinción. Estamos muy contentos con la noticia y queremos invitarles a participar en la convocatoria para juntos ponerle nombre. @AyuntaMeridapic.twitter.com/YGhEqy9P94
Senior Editor Carlos Rosado van der Gracht is a journalist, photographer, and expedition leader. Born in Mérida, Carlos holds degrees from universities in Mexico, Canada, and Norway.
Each January, the eastern Yucatán city of Tizimín shifts into high gear. The annual Feria de Reyes, tied to the Catholic feast of the Three Kings, draws pilgrims, families and curious travelers for nearly three weeks of religious ceremonies, concerts, livestock shows and cultural events. Local officials say this year’s fair again boosted hotel stays,…
Not all the action is north of Centro. In Mérida’s rapidly expanding western edge, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum delivered scholarships and inspected the construction of a new technical high school in Ciudad Caucel. During the visit to CBTIS 305, Sheinbaum distributed Benito Juárez Universal Scholarship money to students who will receive 1,900 pesos (approximately US$105)…
La Casa del Pueblo (The People’s House) is one of the most striking examples of Mayan Revival architecture in the capital of Yucatán; however, it is significantly less well-known or visited than El Monumento a la Patria or Parque de las Américas. La Casa del Pueblo began operating in 1916 as the headquarters for Yucatán’s…
Every morning before dawn breaks over Mérida, bakers across Yucatán fire up their ovens. By the time most people grab their first coffee, fresh conchas, cuernitos and bolillos fill the shelves at neighborhood panaderías. On July 11 — Día del Panadero — the Peninsula takes a moment to honor these early risers who keep one of Mexico’s most…
Young painters from Casa Otoch will showcase their artwork at an annual exhibition on Nov. 18 at Hennessy’s Irish Pub on Paseo de Montejo. The event allows student artists to see their work displayed and meet the people who buy it. The Cool Cats art show starts at 7 p.m. and features paintings, greeting cards,…
An international film production is coming to Yucatán, and local residents have a chance to be part of it. The colonial-era project begins filming Nov. 6 and wraps Dec. 14. Crews will shoot in Mérida and several other municipalities across the state, including locations along the Paseo de Montejo, in the historic center, and at…
