Ocelots have all but vanished from the U.S., with fewer than 120 left in two wild South Texas populations threatened by habitat loss and vehicle strikes. East Foundation is helping lead a first-of-its-kind captive breeding effort, partnering with Texas A&M’s Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute to open a new conservation facility this fall that will pair zoo-born females with wild Texas males, strengthening genetic diversity for a third, more resilient population. It’s the culmination of years of research and partnership — and a critical step toward bringing this iconic wildcat back from the brink.
