BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ( WBRC ) - The Birmingham Zoo welcomed a new feline resident this week.

8-year-old Diego is the zoo’s new jaguar and is filling the space left by the zoo’s previous jaguar, Khan.

The Birmingham Zoo says 11-year-old Khan was moved to the Brevard Zoo in Melbourne, Florida in July 2025 as part of the Jaguar Species Survival Plan (SSP).

Birmingham Zoo President and CEO Chris Pfefferkorn shared that Khan is doing well at his new home and being introduced to his new mate.

The zoo shared that the SSP program is vital. It is dedicated to maintaining a healthy and sustainable jaguar population by helping zoos manage populations through careful breeding and transfer recommendations.

When sharing recommendations, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) considers things lik

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