Jaguar
Panthera onca
There is a high risk associated with keeping this species as a pet. This is not a suitable pet.
© Y.-J. Rey-Millet / WWF
Assessment results
High risk
Conservation | High risk
This animal is threatened by extinction in the wild, and there is global demand which is creating potentially more unsustainable and illegal poaching of the species. By having it as a pet creates more demand for these animals, which can worsen their situation in the wild. Learn more about wildlife conservation and the pet trade.
Legality | High risk
This animal is either protected by national law, is restricted to import into the US, and/or many states do not allow ownership. Keeping these protected or prohibited species can have legal consequences for the owner, including fines or bans on pet ownership or sale. Learn more about relevant exotic pet trade and ownership laws.
Human and public health | High risk
It is likely that this animal is a threat to human or public health due to potential life-threatening zoonotic diseases and physical attributes that can harm humans. Learn more about animal-related illness and injuries.
Invasiveness | Low risk
This species would not likely impact native biodiversity or habitats. However, never release a pet into the wild for any reason.
Animal welfare | High risk
Care, diet, and housing needs of this species are extremely difficult to meet for its lifetime, and potential owners are unlikely to be able to provide a good quality of life. Learn more about the challenges with exotic pet welfare.
⚠️ Important considerations
- Jaguars are a near threatened species, with declining wild populations due to habitat loss, persecution or retaliation killings, and poaching for the illegal wildlife trade. They are likely to become threatened if current trends continue.
- It is illegal to buy, sell, privately own, or interact with jaguars in the US as of 2022 with the passing of the Big Cat Public Safety Act. Privately owned big cats obtained before December 2022 must be registered with the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
- Jaguars possess immense strength, large teeth, and claws that can cause life-threatening harm to humans and will show harmful behavior toward humans in close proximity, to protect themselves.
- Big cat housing and dietary needs are very hard to meet in captivity and are financially expensive and time-consuming, estimated to cost over $100,000 USD in the first year and over $10,000 each subsequent year. They need a very large amount of outdoor space to roam.
- As with all exotic mammals, when keeping a pet, ensure there is access to a veterinarian that specializes in their care and consult them about proper habitat setup, diet, and care. Find an exotic mammal vet near you.
Basic information
Taxonomy:
Carnivora, Felidae
Lifespan:
12-15 years in the wild, up to 20 years in zoos
Weight:
70 to 250 lbs. (31-113 kg), depending on their home range
Size:
4- 6 ft (1-2 m) long
Native range and habitat:
Wet and dry forests, savannahs, and grasslands across 18 countries in Central and South America
Diet:
Carnivores and opportunistic hunters
Activity and behavior:
- Jaguars are solitary by nature and females raise their cubs alone, who stay with their mother until about two years old when they go off to claim their own territory.
- Jaguars are a top predator in their habitat, keeping an important balance in the food chain and healthy ecosystem.
© WWF-Japan
© WWF
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