Editor’s Note: Khan now has started having access to his public-facing habitats in our Rainforest Revealed loop!

Recently spotted at Brevard Zoo: our newest animal resident, Khan! 

This 11-year-old jaguar has moved to our Zoo from his former home, Birmingham Zoo in Alabama, in an effort to conserve this species. Khan’s move is the result of careful planning by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan, a program that pairs animals in AZA-accredited organizations to ensure a genetically diverse safeguard population. 

Khan will be paired with another recent Zoo addition, Lua the 5-year-old jaguar, who joined us from Zoo de Granby in Quebec, Canada in May. 

Born at the Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Khan was named after Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shahid Khan.

We are now home to three jaguars: Khan, Lua and 21-year-old longtime Zoo resident Masaya. Each jaguar will have their own habitat and nighthouse space in our Rainforest Revealed area to call home for now, with careful introductions planned for Khan and Lua in the near future. Animal comfort and behavior will determine the speed of this process, and the eventual goal is to have the duo share space, while Masaya will continue to live on her own.  

With this new pair, we are proud to continue our legacy of helping conserve this incredible species. Jaguars are considered “Near Threatened” with the population in their South American native range decreasing in large part due to habitat loss.  

Masaya has made incredible contributions to her species over the years, welcoming six cubs under our care and becoming a great-grandmother in 2024. However, she’s now past breeding age. Our animal care team is committed to ensuring all our animals live their best life with us from birth to old age, and they will continue to give Masaya this high level of care into her golden years. 

Brevard Zoo is an independent, not-for-profit organization that receives no recurring government funding for our operating costs. Your generous support enables us to continue to serve our community and continue our vital animal wellness, education and conservation programs.