New Arrivals at Hemsley: Meet Our Jaguarundi

We’re excited to share some very special news from Hemsley Conservation Centre - a pair of Jaguarundi have arrived and are settling in beautifully 🐾

The new arrivals are a male and female pair, who have quickly made themselves at home in their enclosure. Keepers report that both animals are calm, curious, and already displaying confident, natural behaviours - a great sign that they’re comfortable in their new surroundings.

Jaguarundi (Herpailurus yagouaroundi) are small wild cats native to Central and South America. Unlike many other cats, they are mainly diurnal, meaning they are active during the day, and they’re known for their long, slender bodies, short legs, and smooth coats. They can appear in a range of colours, from dark brown to reddish-grey, and are excellent climbers and hunters, feeding on small mammals, birds, and reptiles.

What makes this arrival even more exciting is just how rare they are in UK collections. According to ZIMS (Zoological Information Management System), there is only one other pair currently on public display in the UK, making Hemsley one of the very few places where visitors can see this elusive species up close.

We’re incredibly proud to be working with such an uncommon and fascinating species and look forward to sharing more updates as the pair continue to settle in. Be sure to keep an eye out for them on your next visit - if you’re lucky, you might catch them during their daytime patrols of the enclosure.