It is the moment everyone in Northeast Ohio has been waiting for, but not necessarily the news they were hoping for: LeBron is leaving Northeast Ohio. The biggest surprise may be his new home town. Chicago and New York were likely never considered. LeBron’s new home will be Melbourne, Florida. LeBron, the jaguar that was born at the Akron Zoo in 2009, will be leaving for the Brevard Zoo by mid-June. The Zoo will be hosting a LeBron Appreciation Day on June 5, 2010.
LeBron was the only male in a litter of three born at the Akron Zoo on March 3, 2009. Through a public contest the name LeBron was chosen in honor of Akron native and NBA superstar LeBron James. Until his official departure next month LeBron will be on exhibit at the Akron Zoo on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. – noon. On June 5, 2010 the zoo will be hosting a LeBron Appreciation Day. Any visitors wearing Cleveland Cavilers or LeBron James paraphernalia can get 50% off admission to the zoo. That day LeBron jaguar will be on exhibit from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. for visitors to have a chance to see him before he departs.
The move is sanctioned by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP). The mission of the SSP is to help ensure the survival of selected wildlife species. Through scientifically-controlled managed breeding programs, SSP’s are a proactive approach to preventing extinction. SSP's were formed back in 1981 to help ensure the survival of endangered species. SSP's are managed by the AZA, of which the Akron Zoo is an accredited member.
LeBron will be paired with a female at the Brevard Zoo, Masaya, in hopes of breeding and rearing a successful litter of cubs. Jaguars are listed as an endangered species by the US Fish & Wildlife Service. There is currently less than 100 jaguars in the United States at AZA accredited facilities.
The two females born in the litter with LeBron, Bella and Nakita, will be at the zoo for the foreseeable future. The zoo expects to have a decision by the SSP on where they will be heading and when before the end of the summer. Currently the plan is for the parents of the cubs, Naom and Chack, to reside at the Akron Zoo. This was Naom and Chack’s second litter. In 2005 three jaguar cubs were also born at the Akron Zoo and have since moved onto other accredited zoos in the U.S.
The Akron Zoo is open 361 days a year. Zoo hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and admission is $10 for adults, $7.50 for senior citizens, $6 for children (ages 2-14). Children under two are free and parking is $2.00. For more information visit www.akronzoo.org or call (330) 375-2550.
Founded in 1953, the Akron Zoo is a non-profit, world conservation Zoo with over 700 animals from around the world. Located just west of Downtown Akron, the Zoo strives to provide a dynamic, financially responsible, guest centered animal experience that is energized by innovation and fun. The Akron Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats.
