A young male jaguar, named Elvis, first appeared on the Northern Jaguar Reserve in 2013. He was not seen again, and all assumptions were that he was a dispersing juvenile who had to find territory outside the scope of our motion-triggered cameras. We did not know if he survived.

Then last month, we retrieved photographs of Elvis for the first time in two and a half years, taken on the reserve near the boundary with two Viviendo con Felinos ranches. How he eluded documentation over such an extended period is a mystery. Yet for now, there is a deep joy felt by everyone working on the Northern Jaguar Reserve and Viviendo con Felinos ranches that he continues to roam this vast, rugged landscape 125 miles south of the U.S.-Mexico border.

Elvis’ return shows us that we are moving in the right direction, providing the safe haven that wildlife in this region so desperately needs. Still, we know there is a lot of work ahead.

Today, NJP is participating in AZ Gives Day – a one-day online campaign to boost the collective giving power to support local nonprofits. You don’t have to live in Arizona to participate. Your contribution will help our Viviendo con Felinos project create an expanded safe zone for jaguars and further reach schools and livestock organizations in the region where jaguars roam.

Please consider making a donation here >>. 

We are grateful for all of you who make up our base of support; our work would not be possible without you. On behalf of Elvis and all the jaguars who call the reserve home, thank you!