Fishermen save Jaguar cub from drowning

Businessman Vanderlei da Silva Rosa and a friend were fishing at the junction of the Paraguay and Miranda Rivers, in the southern Pantanal region of Mato Grosso do Sul, when they spotted a jaguar and two cubs swimming in the water.

At a certain point, one of the cubs became separated from its family and headed toward an area with strong currents.

“When a few boats passed in front of us, the cubs changed direction. One went toward the reeds, and the other went toward the Paraguay River. There’s a current there, and he was definitely going to be swept away from his mother. So, the only option was to try to help,” the businessman recalled.

In a small boat, the friends observed the situation and became concerned for the animal. They began to follow it.

When they saw the cub drifting farther away and showing signs of exhaustion, they decided to help prevent it from drowning.

What followed was an intense race against time.

Ono of them suggested using a net to capture and bring the animal onboard.

The cub showed no resistance at all. When it saw the net nearby, it clung to it.

And so, with the cub holding onto the net, the fishermen completed the rescue.

They guided the little animal for about 30 meters to a piece of land close to where the mother had been seen with the other cub.

“Without a doubt, that little one was saved. The cub was very tired, but thank God everything worked out,” Vanderlei said.

Survival

Biologist Henrique Abrahão Charles analyzed the footage and confirmed that yes, it was a happy ending. According to him, there’s over a 90% chance the cub will reunite with its mother.

“The cub will call for the mother — it knows how. The mother doesn’t abandon her cub. They communicate. Jaguars have a powerful sense of smell, excellent hearing, and great vision. The cub will vocalize. She will look for him, and he will call for her,” he explained, adding that he was moved by the video.