A jaguar cub, approximately three months old, was found in a critically weakened state in the rural area of Machadinho d’Oeste, Rondônia. After being rescued, the cub was taken to the Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres (Cetas) of the Federal University of Rondônia, where veterinary examinations revealed severe dehydration, malnutrition, and other health complications. Despite receiving treatment, the cub succumbed to its ailments after five days in care.

The cub was discovered by a local resident who noticed it alone and in distress. Authorities from the Secretary of State for Environmental Development of Rondônia (Sedam) reported that the animal exhibited apathy and was severely dehydrated. Further medical investigations showed alarming health indicators, including the absence of feces for over a week, suggesting it had not been eating.

The diagnosis included micoplasmosis, a bacterial infection that can significantly impact the health of wild animals like jaguars. The tragic outcome highlights the challenges of wildlife rescue efforts, as animals in such desperate states often do not survive despite the best attempts at rehabilitation and care. This incident raises awareness regarding the environmental conditions faced by wildlife in the region and the importance of conservation efforts.