Jaguar Name- Did You Know?

Did you know the jaguar was named after the South American native word 'yaguara'? Yaguara, or 'yaguar', means "animal that kills in a single bound". Some believe the word comes from the South American Tupi and Guarani languages from the word 'yaguarete', meaning "true, fierce beast". In some Maya traditions, like the Lencas, they made the word jaguar a royal title that they bestowed upon a royal prince, princess, or ruling monarch. The Mayans thought highly of the jaguar and even made them a God, a God of the Underworld. The jaguar was the most feared and respected beast in the Mesoamerican world. The names all sound similar and all come from South America. They also are all describing the jaguar, how it can kill in one leap, that they are fierce, powerful, royal and a God.

Celebrate World Jaguar Day on April 10th!