10/22/2026
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our magnificent 20-year-old jaguar, Beliza. We know that her loss will affect many of you, so we want to share her story.
Beliza was born at Zoo New England in 2006 and came to Mesker Park Zoo in 2007. During her time with us, Beliza touched the hearts and minds of hundreds of thousands of guests and countless zoo staff. Beliza was the undisputed queen of the Zoo’s Amazonia habitat, known for her beauty, intelligence, and fiery attitude. Over nearly 20 years, Beliza formed remarkable relationships with her caretakers and veterinary team, allowing them to provide her with the best care when she needed it most. Six years ago, Beliza received a cancer diagnosis and was given a prognosis of approximately six months to live. She defied the odds, living an active and vibrant life thanks to a regimen of chemotherapy and the efforts of her dedicated care team. When she was later diagnosed with advanced osteoarthritis and stage 2 chronic kidney disease, the relationships she’d formed over the years allowed us to offer weekly laser therapy, treatments with injectable medication, and frequent health monitoring through voluntary blood collection. This was truly a testament to the trust between Beliza and her care team.
On the morning of October 20, animal care staff found Beliza reluctant to move and exhibiting poor appetite. After consulting with veterinary staff, the decision was made to administer multiple supportive care medications and monitor her closely for improvement. By midday, Beliza’s condition had deteriorated and vet staff elected to sedate her to provide supportive care and perform an examination, bloodwork, radiographs, and an ultrasound to search for answers. While conducting an ultrasound scan during her exam, the vet team discovered a large blood clot in Beliza’s heart. As the team continued to perform diagnostic tests, Beliza went into cardiac arrest, and despite heroic life-saving efforts, including CPR and emergency medications from the veterinary and animal care teams, she passed away.
Following Beliza’s passing, a full necropsy was conducted that revealed multiple blood clots in her heart and aorta, as well as findings that suggest underlying heart disease. Conditions such as heart disease and secondary thromboembolisms are known to occur in older cats like Beliza and can be difficult to both diagnose and treat. A catastrophic blood clot event like Beliza experienced can come on suddenly, without warning, and can often be the first sign of heart disease the animal will exhibit. This event caused the acute decline her care team observed. There is no treatment for an event like this in jaguars. While we are glad to have answers, it does not make Beliza’s loss any less painful.
Our staff is grieving and we know our community will grieve with us. Beliza brought joy and wonder to so many during her 19 years at Mesker Park Zoo, and we know her loss will be felt profoundly. We invite you to share your favorite memories and photos of Beliza as we remember her together.
As we honor Beliza’s incredible life and legacy, a new chapter will soon begin in Amazonia. Reba, our newest jaguar, who is currently residing in the tiger habitat, will eventually make her way to Amazonia and call Beliza’s former habitat home. While no animal could ever replace our beloved Beliza, we look forward to watching Reba make this space her own, carrying on the wonder and connection that Beliza inspired in so many of us.
To Beliza, queen of Amazonia, queen of Mesker Park Zoo, and queen of our hearts, we will deeply miss you.
