Banks the jaguarBanks the jaguar
Banks is shown on the day he was introduced to the public, July 20, 2023. | Dan Scanlan, Jacksonville Today

Banks the jaguar is leaving Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

Published on January 22, 2025 at 5:30 pm
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Banks the jaguar is moving on from the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, 18 months after he was born.

Banks was the 51st jaguar born at the zoo since it opened about 111 years ago. Zoo officials say the cat will move to his new home Jan. 30 as part of a program to ensure the big cat’s future population.

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The zoo’s post on Facebook did not say where Banks will be moving.

Banks was born April 7, 2023, to parents Babette and Henry. He was the first jaguar cub born at the zoo in a decade.

The public named Jags in a “Name that Jag” contest. “Banks” alludes to the St. Johns River and also the home of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

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The zoo will have a farewell party for Banks at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, before he takes part in a species survival program and introduction to a potential new mate. 


author image Reporter email Dan Scanlan is a veteran journalist with 40 years as a radio, television and print reporter in the Jacksonville area, as well as years of broadcast work in the Northeast. After a stint managing a hotel comedy club, Dan began a 34-year career as police and current events reporter at The Florida Times-Union before joining the staff of WJCT News 89.9.

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