Maya the Jaguar to Celebrate Fourth Birthday at the Palm Beach Zoo
WEST PALM BEACH, FL., October 24, 2012 The Palm Beach Zoo has announced plans to celebrate the fourth birthday of Maya the jaguar on Sunday, October 28th from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. Guests in attendance will be able to make a birthday card at the Jaguar Craft Station located under the Tulé Tree in the Zoos Mayan Plaza. All children making a card for Maya will receive a special Halloween-themed gift from the birthday girl. Completed cards will then be displayed in front of the Zoos Jaguar Habitat throughout the duration of the event. At 11:30 A.M. there will be a special Jaguar Talk, featuring Maya, where visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about jaguars and jaguar conservation
A virtual baby book will be created and available for viewing on the Zoos Facebook Fan page (https://www.facebook.com/palmbeachzoo1301) showing photos of Maya since her birth. Visitors to the Zoos Facebook page may tag or post photos of Maya that they have taken over the years to include in the album. The Zoo will also be accepting photos of Maya from supporters not on Facebook via email at [email protected]. Additional information regarding the virtual baby book is available at http://tinyurl.com/mayababyalbum.
Maya was born on October 28, 2008 to parents Nabalam and Muchacho, both of whom still reside at the Palm Beach Zoo. Maya currently weighs 100 pounds and like all jaguars at the Palm Beach Zoo, is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP), of which the Zoos own Keith Lovett is the Vice-Chair. Any plans for Mayas future, including possible breeding opportunities, will be determined by the SSP to ensure a viable and genetically healthy population. Maya earned the nickname of Diva early on due to her love of attention and her high levels of mischievous playfulness. Zoo staff members say she continues to live up to that reputation to this day.
Mayas Birthday Celebration will take place during Boo at the Zoo, which is scheduled from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, October 26th 28th and on Friday evening (10/26) from 5:30 9:00 P.M. For more information on Boo at the Zoo, please visit www.palmbeachzoo.org.
About the Palm Beach Zoo
The Palm Beach Zoo is located at 1301 Summit Boulevard, just east of I-95 between Southern and Forest Hill Boulevard. There is ample free parking. The Zoo is open from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Open Friday evenings from 5:30 to 9 P.M. from June through October. For more information regarding the Palm Beach Zoo, please visit www.palmbeachzoo.org. The Zoological Society of the Palm Beaches exists to protect wildlife and wildlife habitat, and to inspire others to value and conserve the natural world. We advance our conservation mission through endangered species propagation, education, health and wellness, field research, and conservation medicine.