Guardião, the World's Oldest Captive Jaguar

The Brazilian Army's Jungle Warfare Instruction Center (CIGS) announced that its jaguar, Guardião, has reached 25 years and 90 days old, establishing a new world record for longevity in captivity. This age is more than double the species' natural life expectancy, which ranges between 10 and 15 years.

Guardião, the World's Oldest Captive Jaguar

The record was officially verified on June 9, 2026, when Guardião completed 25 years and 90 days. Born in March 2001 in Tabatinga, the feline arrived at CIGS on August 7, 2007, and has remained under the care of the technical team ever since.

Special Care for an Elderly Feline

According to CIGS biologist, First Lieutenant Eliane Carvalho, Guardião's longevity is the result of a care routine adapted to the needs of an elderly animal. A multidisciplinary team, comprised of veterinarians, a biologist, and caretakers, monitors the feline's health and well-being daily.

• Health and well-being maintenance through management, feeding, environmental enrichment, and behavioral monitoring;
• Planned feeding adjusted to his needs, including due to natural dental wear;
• Supplementation for joint protection;
• Minimized procedures to reduce risks, avoiding chemical restraint whenever possible.

Healthy Behavior at 25 Years Old

At 25 years old, Guardião remains healthy and maintains characteristic behaviors of the species, such as walking around his enclosure, swimming, and utilizing elevated structures.

Impact on Conservation and Environmental Education

Guardião's achievement contributes to environmental education initiatives and to raising awareness about the importance of Amazonian fauna conservation. His international recognition highlights the animal as a symbol of Amazonian wildlife and draws attention to the care and conservation work carried out at the CIGS zoo.

The Brazilian Army's Role in Environmental Preservation

Guardião has become an important symbol of the CIGS Zoo and Amazonian fauna, demonstrating the Brazilian Army's commitment to environmental preservation, biodiversity protection, and the appreciation of the Amazon's natural heritage.

With information from Brazilian Army, Folha BV.