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Jaguars in private collections

Discussion in 'Private Collections & Pets' started by AnnieatIcon, 14 Oct 2011.

  1. AnnieatIcon

    AnnieatIcon New Member

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    Does anyone know if Jaguars have ever been owned as pets in the UK or if any private zoo has owned a jaguar. I work for a wildlife film making company and we are interested to know the history of jaguars in the UK.
     
  2. Cian bennett

    Cian bennett Member

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    My friend said that when he was in london he went into a fancy pet shop, he was asking the owner/worker what animals could he buy in and he said anything from reticulated pythons to jaguars and he also said he sold a jaguar before
    Hope this helps
     
    Last edited: 28 Mar 2014
  3. bongorob

    bongorob Well-Known Member 15+ year member

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    In the 1960s someone who was working with film/pop stars had a private zoo, I think he had jaguars, but I can't remember his name.
     
  4. Shorts

    Shorts Well-Known Member 10+ year member

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    Are you thinking of Gordon Mills, manager to Tom Jones & Engelbert Humperdink? He had a private zoo in Surrey (I think), "Little Rhonda". I know he kept Gorillas, Orangs and Tigers.

    Whilst I can't remember hearing of him keeping Jaguar it's entirely possible he did, though I think it's a little unlikely given Jaguars have never been that common in the UK.
     
  5. Shorts

    Shorts Well-Known Member 10+ year member

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    After research (checking out a copy of Clinton Keeling's Where The Elephant Walked) I can confirm that Jaguars were kept at Little Rhonda some time during it's existence.
     
  6. Nanook

    Nanook Well-Known Member

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    Yes, "Little Rhonda" was situated at St.Georges Hills private estate near Weybridge. Gordon Mills kept at least two Jaguars, the two I know of were "Jason and Josephine" both went on to Kilverstone, "Jason" was kept by another private keeper on a boat at Walton-on-thames before going to Gordon Mills place. I believe "Josephine" was an ex-circus animal.