Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge is home to a population of about 35 ocelots. During 14 years of research, 70 ocelots have been captured. When an ocelot is captured, that cat is sedated, weighed and measured, given a rabies vaccination, and fitted with a radiocollar. This radiocollar carries a small transmitter that emits a distinct signal which researchers can hear with a special receiver. Using this signal, researchers can keep track of each ocelot for months, and in some cases, years.
Research has provided important information to biologists working to save the ocelot. By finding ocelot kittens, much can be learned about denning ecology, reproductive rate, productivity, and survival. Some of the most fascinating results of this long-term study have come from following generations of ocelots, from parents to offspring.
Many of the ocelots tracked have quite distinctive personalities, and all are in need of protection. Each ocelot in this group of sixteen, including 3 families, is available for adoption, and each has his or her own unique case history. You can help ensure these ocelots have enough space to call home!
Sabia,
the oldest documented wild ocelot known, was first observed as a 2-week-old kitten on September 11, 1985. She was born in an area known as the Island Fields, right in the heart of the refuge. When she was first measured, she weighed just 1 pound, and could barely crawl. Today she is a grandmother! She has had a long and successful life in a harsh environment, and has rightly earned her name, which means "sage" or "wise person".
Amparo,
the "shadow", is a young adult ocelot first radio collared on March 14, 1996. Captured on a Peninsula just south of Bayside drive, he often moves, silent and unseen, along the southern edge of the public Bayside loop. He may be young, but he already shows evidence of the harsh male ocelot life. He has scars over his left eye and on his lip, which droops slightly.
Gallo,
the "rooster", is a battle-hardened male first radiocollared as an adult on March 26, 1991. He has many old scars and some broken bones from years of defending his territory from other male ocelots. His ears are tattered and he has a droopy lip, but he is still king of his territory.