Wildlife Around You
At Sabalo Lodge, wildlife is not something you search for — it finds you. Day and night, animals move freely between the jungle and the lodge. Some stay hidden, others appear just a few steps from your cabin or tent. These videos are real moments captured by our cameras and guests. No staging, no guarantees — just the jungle as it truly is.
Jaguarundi - Jaguarundi at Sabalo Lodge, Costa Rica
In this video, you have a unique opportunity to observe the jaguarundi, an unusual South American feline, in both of its fascinating color forms. The footage captures both the dark and rusty variants of this species, which in the past were mistakenly thought to be two separate animals due to their differences. You will see typical features of this so-called "otter cat," such as its unusually elongated body, short limbs, and very quiet movement through dense undergrowth, which makes it so difficult to spot in the wild. This brief insight into the life of one of the world's most interesting small cats will show you its natural elegance and incredible color diversity within a single species...
Often nicknamed the otter cat, the jaguarundi is one of the greatest treasures of the American wilderness, and encountering one is a truly unique experience for any nature lover. This fascinating feline immediately catches the eye with its unusual appearance; its low, elongated body and short legs make it resemble an elegant weasel more than a typical cat. It is remarkably unique for its color diversity, as you can encounter individuals in either slate grey or vibrant rusty coats within the same species, making it a true chameleon of tropical forests and savannas. Unlike its nocturnal relatives, the jaguarundi is primarily active during the day, offering patient observers a rare chance to witness a piece of exotic elegance in its purest and most intriguing form while exploring the untamed landscape.
Where: The video is compiled from several camera traps at the back of the red trail and at the beginning of the blue trail at Sabalo Lodge.
Tip: They are mainly found around the red and blue trails deeper in the jungle. Unlike most other animals, they are more frequently seen during the day, though they remain extremely shy. It appears that one pair and one lone male currently reside in the Sabalo Lodge area.
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