Manny, The Majestic Jaguar, Is Enjoying Retirement In A Florida Sanctuary

Despite his fierce appearance, Manny had a playful side.

Damjan

• Published in Animal Stories
• May 29, 2024

In 2017, a majestic Jaguar named Manny began his golden years at Big Cat Rescue in Florida. Despite being born in captivity, Manny found solace in his sanctuary, where he enjoyed top-notch care, a luxurious pool, and tasty treats.

Manny's journey to the sanctuary wasn't an easy one. Born in a cage, he and his companion Nat, an Amur leopard, never experienced the wild.

However, they found comfort and care in the hands of compassionate rescuers. Jaguars, like Manny, are remarkable creatures.

They once roamed freely across North America but now inhabit regions from Mexico to Argentina. Unlike many cats, Jaguars have a fondness for swimming, which made Manny's custom pool with a waterfall a favorite spot.

Despite his fierce appearance, Manny had a playful side. Whether he was enjoying tuna-flavored treats or playing with watermelons, he always brought joy to those around him.

But don't be fooled by his antics; Jaguars possess incredible strength and agility, making them formidable predators. In 2022, Manny faced health challenges, requiring surgery for intestinal cancer.

Despite the efforts of dedicated veterinarians, Manny's condition deteriorated, and he passed away in April 2023, just shy of his 17th birthday. His departure left a void at the sanctuary, but his legacy lives on. Remembered as a strong, handsome, and silly companion, Manny touched the hearts of all who knew him. His story is a reminder of the resilience of captive animals and the importance of sanctuary care.

Nat, Manny's companion, had previously passed away from bladder cancer in 2020. Together, they enjoyed their twilight years, surrounded by love and compassion.

Majestic Manny the Jaguar arrived at Big Cat Rescue in 2017 to enjoy his golden retirement years.

Here's Manny, looking cute and harmless with a pumpkin, but don't be fooled – jaguars are among the fiercest predators on Earth.

Unlike most cats, Manny loved swimming in the water, that's why he got his beautiful concrete pool with a waterfall to play in.

"Jaguar Makes A Splash "

Manny quickly won everyone over with his charming and playful antics and one of his standout features was the heart-shaped mark on his belly.

He kept all his unbreakable toys in his den, surrounding himself with them.

The big cat enjoyed the treats they gave him like tuna-flavored popsicles to lick under the warm Florida sun.

Manny impressed his caretakers with his lightning-fast reflexes, effortlessly catching snacks thrown at him and even managing to take out the camera in his enclosure in 2018.

"Jaguar Takes Down A Camera! "

After a long battle, he was ready to let go, the compassionate vets gently helped him cross the rainbow bridge, just a little before his 17th birthday on May 10, 2023.

They want Manny remembered as the beloved, strong, handsome, and silly boy he was.

"Jaguar Species Spotlight "

In bidding farewell to Manny, we not only mourn the loss of a magnificent creature but also celebrate the impact he had on those around him. The dedication of the staff and volunteers at Big Cat Rescue is commendable, as they provided Manny with a life of comfort, care, and love during his golden years.

While Manny's physical presence may no longer grace the sanctuary, his spirit lives on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him. His story is a reminder of the importance of conservation efforts and the need to protect and cherish all creatures, great and small.

By supporting organizations like Big Cat Rescue and learning from Manny's story, we can strive to create a world where all beings are valued and respected.

Damjan