The Living Desert Zoo announced the passing of Magia, a jaguar who had been living at the Palm Desert zoo since 2011.
“The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved female jaguar, Magia,” the zoo announced on Facebook. “Yesterday, Magia underwent a scheduled exam and eye procedure to help alleviate a chronic eye issue. The procedure and exam went smoothly and as expected. However, Magia had difficulty recovering from the anesthesia. The veterinary and animal care team worked tirelessly to save her, but when they were unable to do so, the extremely difficult decision was made to humanely euthanize her. At this time, we do not know what caused Magia’s inability to recover, and we are awaiting full necropsy results to help answer those questions.”
Magia was born at Cameron Park Zoo in Waco, Texas. She came to The Living Desert in 2011 through a Species Survival Plan ® recommendation. She successfully birthed and raised two litters of cubs: two males in 2014 and one male in 2017.
At nearly 10 years old, Magia was known for her sass and feisty attitude, as well as being an attentive and caring mother to her cubs.
“The team at The Living Desert is heartbroken over Magia’s passing. She was an incredible ambassador for her species,” said RoxAnna Breitigan, Director of Animal Care. “We do find comfort in the memories we have of her, knowing that her legacy lives on through her three cubs, and the amazing connections she had with guests.”
