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Metrozoo Jaguar Dies During Medical Procedure

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Nov 19, 2009 12:07 pm US/Eastern

Metrozoo Jaguar Dies During Medical Procedure

MIAMI (CBS4) ―

Click to enlarge 1 of 1: A four year old jaguar named Palenque died Wednesday during a medical procedure at Miami's Metrozoo. Photo by Ron Magill of Metrozoo.
Ron Magill/Metrozoo

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A four year old jaguar named Palenque who was one of the star attractions of Metrozoo's "Amazon and Beyond" died Wednesday during a medical procedure.

Zoo spokesman Ron Magill says Palenque was taken to the Metrozoo's animal hospital early in the morning for a number of tests and procedures that would hopefully shed some light on what was causing symptoms such as vomiting and bloody stool.

The 129 pound big cat was immobilized and given a general physical exam including x-rays, blood and semen collection. He was then examined with a specialized scope to try to visualize any gastro-intestinal abnormalities.

During this procedure, the big cat started having problems breathing. Doctors decided to end it and administered drugs to reverse the effects of the anesthesia. Magill said for some reason Palenque did not respond to the drugs and went into respiratory and cardiac arrest. Despite extensive efforts to save him, Palenque died on the table.

A necropsy uncovered several abnormalities in Palenque's heart and in his gastro-intestinal system. Magill said they're awaiting the results of a number of tests before saying the exact cause of death.

Palenque was born at Zoo New England in Boston on March 18th, 2006. He arrived at Metrozoo in August of 2007. "Reina", a 4 year old female jaguar that was born at the Houston Zoo, continues to be exhibited in the "Amazon and Beyond" jaguar display.