CKWRI Will Break Ground on Ocelot Conservation Facility

Texas A&M University Kingsville

KINGSVILLE, TEXAS (News Release) - The last remaining wild ocelots in the United States are located in Texas. In South Texas alone, there are fewer than 100 known ocelots known to remain in the wild. The Ceaser Kleberg Wildlife Research Institue (CKWRI) Ocelot Conservation Facility will be a solution to the many needs surrounding ocelot conservation and recovery in South Texas.

The facility will be a state-of-the-art complex dedicated to the advancement of ocelot research with the mission of understanding the intricacies of ocelot behavior and health, and successfully breeding and rewilding. 

The facility will be the first in the nation dedicated to housing ocelots for breeding purposes, while providing medical and reproductive care, and an environment for young ocelots to learn hunting skills and other natural behaviors that will prepare them for release into new habitats for ocelot restoration.

 The CKWRI Ocelot Conservation Facility will offer nearly 30,000 square feet of dedicated space for ocelots.  The primary research building will provide space for, surgery, exams, offices, outreach, and education.

A groundbreaking for the facility will be held on October 9 at the CKWRI Center Building at 1 pm.