Another utterly Amazing experience with large cat species specifically: Panthera tigris, Panthera leo, and Panthera orca. The Little Rock Zoo rocks this trio of habitats with a loop-like compound that affords eye- level viewing of both Tigers and Lions and then from the center of all three, above-level viewing of all.
The Zoo is home to a trio of female Malayan Tigers (Zeya, Sundari, and Kae) and is clearly set up to accommodate breeding. On this rainy day two were together in a larger habitat, and one in the adjacent space, very much interested in joining the other two, one of whom hung out at the fence line dividing them. Cat socialization can be tricky, so I'm sure there was a good reason to separate them on this drizzly Christmas Eve.
On the opposite side is the African Lion habitat. Again, three Lions in the same configuration of the Memphis Zoo: one Male (Ambesoli) and two Females (Inara and Saphira) who are sisters. And just like at the Memphis Zoo, one of the sisters is clearly dominant and sits on a log throne to make clear who is on top of this pecking order. The Little Rock Zoo is fully equipped to accommodate breeding of Lions, too.
The final habitat, which is only easily visible from above is home to a pair of Jaguar, (Maderas and LaBron). Again, the goal with this pair is breeding. Only one was out and in perfect feline repudiation of water, perched on the dry surface of a little covered "pavilion". I think this was Maderas, but I could be wrong. Unless you get a look at a Jaguar's backside and spy the furry jewels bobbing from side to side with each stride--well, I for one, can't tell male and female apart. Enjoy!
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