Aug. 17, 2010
Vol. 40, No. 282

For more information contact Nancy Falasco, Director, Brandywine Zoo, 302-571-7788; or Beth Shockley, Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

New ocelot arrives at Brandywine Zoo

DNREC’s Division of Parks and Recreation has announced a new arrival at the Brandywine Zoo. Staff and visitors alike are welcoming the zoo's newest resident, Ramon, an 18-month-old male Brazilian ocelot. In quarantine since his arrival on June 21, he is now in his enclosure and able to meet zoo visitors.

The small spotted cat comes to the zoo from the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston, which was looking for a new home for Ramon after he reached maturity. Ocelots are primarily nocturnal except in captivity and prefer to live a solitary lifestyle. Due to habitat destruction, the animals are considered an endangered species.

Ramon will live by himself in an environment that features lots of tree branches and shade, and numerous shelves on which to lie. “He’s a shy cat who likes to have objects to hide behind,” said Zoo Director Nancy Falasco. “We’re pleased that the Franklin Park Zoo was able to make Ramon available to us and we’re delighted to welcome him to the Brandywine Zoo.”

The last time ocelots lived at the Brandywine Zoo was in 1993.

The Brandywine Zoo is managed by DNREC’s Division of Parks and Recreation with the support of the Delaware Zoological Society. It holds the distinction of being an American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) accredited facility.  This designation means that the zoo is committed to excellence in conservation, ethics, education and science as well as recreation. 

Rigorous inspections are required for accreditation.  Zoo professionals examine the animals and their daily care, keeper training, safety for animals, staff and visitors, nutrition, education programs, conservation efforts, veterinary programs, financial stability, risk management and visitor services.  Brandywine Zoo was first accredited in 1981, and has been reaccredited every five years since then.