Beliza the Jaguar Dies at Mesker Park Zoo at Age 20

I’ve heard it said the best way to share bad news is to just come right out and say it – so here it is with no sugarcoating. Mesker Park Zoo announced that their beloved 20-year-old jaguar Beliza passed away on October 20.

A Jaguar Who Touched Generations

Beliza was born at Zoo New England in 2006 and arrived in Evansville in 2007. It’s mind-boggling to think about how many people stood at her glass, hoping to get a glimpse, or if they were really lucky, get an up-close and personal experience. Think about the people who stood there once as a child and now take their own children to visit Beliza. She was a special animal that gave enjoyment to generations of zoo visitors.

If you want to see real-life examples of Beliza’s impact on people, go look through the comments on the Mesker Park Zoo Facebook post of this announcement. You’ll find dozens of photos of Beliza “playing” with guests of all ages. Seeing those can’t help but warm your heart. If you have photos like that, the zoo invites you to share them on Facebook as well.

A Story of Beating the Odds

Her story is also one of beating the odds. Six years ago, Beliza was diagnosed with cancer and given about six months to live. She had other plans. Thanks to chemotherapy and a devoted care team, she stayed active and full of life for years. When advanced arthritis and kidney disease came along later, her keepers and vets were able to step in with weekly laser therapy, medication, and regular health checks. She even allowed voluntary blood draws, which says a lot about how much she trusted the people caring for her.

On the morning of October 20, 2026, keepers noticed she wasn't moving much and wasn't eating well. Vets sedated her later that day to run tests, and during an ultrasound they found a large blood clot in her heart. Beliza went into cardiac arrest, and despite CPR and emergency medications, she could not be saved.

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A necropsy showed multiple clots in her heart and aorta, along with signs of underlying heart disease. Zoo staff say this kind of sudden event can strike older cats without warning, and there is no treatment for it in jaguars.

Reba Is Settling In

But there is a bit of hopeful news. Reba, the zoo's newest jaguar, is currently living in the tiger habitat and will eventually move into Amazonia. Of course, no one can replace Beliza, but the staff is excited to see Reba make the space her own.