HE MAY be cute and furry now, but in three years' time Marwell Zoo's latest arrival will be able to knock your block off with a single swipe.

But, despite being born three months ago at the zoo, this loveable jaguar cub has yet to be named. He will go on view to the public next month, when he has had his jabs, but staff say he could do with a name now.

And the Daily Echo has linked up with Marwell Zoo to offer you the chance to name the cub and win a family day out.

The zoo has requested names that reflect the beauty and country of origin of this powerful big cat, which will grow to be nearly two and a half metres in length.

Zookeepers will pick the final name from those suggested.

The cub's mum, Bonita, who came to the zoo from Paris, gave birth to the cub on March 6. Proud dad Pele was also born at Marwell and was hand-reared by keepers, with plenty of tender loving care.

Jaguars are the largest of the South American cat family and can reach a weight of 120kg. The graceful creatures are found in Central and South America, from Mexico to northern Argentina.

They are golden in colour with black spots, but can also appear in the black form, where the spots are barely visible.

Their living conditions include tropical and sub-tropical rainforest and sometimes open woodland, scrub and swamps.

Jaguars have been kept and bred in Marwell since 1972.

A zoo spokesman said: "Jaguars are declining in numbers in the wild because of hunting and the destruction of habitat.

"The black jaguar is more common in darker forests where the colouration offers good camouflage.''

In the wild, jaguars hunt fierce prey like alligators and turtles, but in captivity beef, pork, and lamb are the menu of the day.

When the cubs are born, they are blind, but their eyes open after about two weeks. They stay with their mother for up to two years, until they can fend for themselves.

Send your entries on a postcard to Jaguar Naming Competition, Marwell Zoo, Colden Common, Winchester, Hampshire, S021 1JH by June 10.

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