An unusual friendship has taken shape at the Tulsa Zoo.
Jaguars are usually solitary animals, but two adult females - Ixchel and Caipora - are now being housed together.
Jenna Schmidt, Large Carnivore Zookeeper, said staff at the zoo noticed about a year ago that the two cats were taking an interest in each other through the mesh of their separate enclosures.
"They did have visual and scent access to each other, so even though they weren't physically together, they could still see and smell each other. We noticed they had some affiliative behaviors," said Schmidt. "So they were rubbing against the mesh and trying to groom each other. They seemed like they enjoyed each other's company."
Staff started to talk about putting the two cats together, even though it typically isn't done.
"They're both post-reproductive female jaguars. Normally, they'd be managed in a solitary environment. In a wild setting, they'd be solitary, as well," said Schmidt.
In early April staff decided to go ahead and try introducing the jaguars. One thing that helped is that Ixchel has shown an affinity for other cats. When Ixchel had cubs, she let them stay around much longer than usual. She also had a good relationship with her mate.
"She just really likes other jags," Schmidt said.
Caipora was more of a mystery. She's been exposed to other jaguars before and didn't like it.
On the appointed day, Schmidt said she was prepared and a little nervous.
"We expected some kind of altercation," said Schmidt. "These are two jaguars, this is both of their territories. They've never been in contact before. Jaguars are the largest cats in the Americas. They can do a lot of damage."
Should a fight happen, staff would use a stream of water or an air horn to break it up.
Once the gate was opened, though, Ixchel and Caipora started playing and wrestling almost immediately.
For their first meeting, the two cats spent about an hour together. By the end of the week, they were sleeping in the same enclosure.
Now, with a few exceptions like feeding times, Schmidt said the two jaguars are together constantly.
"Obviously it was the right decision," said Schmidt. "It's a special relationship, just not one you see every day."