Leopardus Pardalis Mitis

In the Rio Grande Valley, a small remnant population of about 50 ocelots survives in a habitat that has been fragmented by big highways and other developments. As predators, these small cats help to maintain the balance of nature as they hunt for rodents and other small animals. The El Paso Zoo supports an ocelot conservation project in Brazil designed to help maintain the genetic diversity of ocelots living in zoos. This project has also benefited local education initiatives and habitat restoration.

Fun Facts

• They are most active at dusk and sleep a lot during the day. Much like your cat at home!
• The color of an ocelot ranges from a very light yellow to a dark reddish-grey, but all have dark spots and stripes.
• Their prey includes frogs, iguanas, rabbits, fish, crabs, rodents, monkeys and birds.
• An ocelots eyes have a special layer that collects light so they’re able to see much better in the dark than humans can.