New Orleans Zoo returns jaguar in strengthened exhibit

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The jaguar that escaped last summer and killed nine animals is back on display at the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans.

Valerio apparently chewed a hole in the 4-inch-wide steel mesh roof above a column in the exhibit sometime before the zoo was to open July 15. Now the mesh is too small for his jaw, and its steel is thicker.

The zoo also installed video cameras and an electrified wire around the roof, including around the tops of internal columns.

The 3-year-old adolescent spent a while Tuesday morning exploring a new ramp and two new platforms, and snarfing chunks of meat keepers had placed on them.

In July, Valerio killed five alpacas, an emu and three foxes. He had been out of public view while his habitat was renovated.

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An earlier version of this report incorrectly said the jaguar escaped by chewing through a fence instead of a roof.