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 - Panamanian Jaguarundi

  • Jaguarundi
  • Mammals
  •  12.08.2026
  • Panamanian Jaguarundi, wild cat, Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica, Sabalo Lodge

A small wild cat with a slender body and short legs, seen moving through dense vegetation at Sabalo Lodge, Costa Rica.

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: Sabalo Lodge, Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica

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.

https://sabalolodge.com/en/animals/jaguarundi-28