Stone Zoo's new jaguar cub to debut in the spotlight

Jaguar mother Kanga and her nearly 8-week-old cub. (Zoo new england)

STONEHAM - The Stone Zoo says it has a new jaguar cub and it will make its public debut early next month.

The cub was born on May 31 to Kanga and her mate, Pacal. Kanga previously gave birth at the zoo to two cubs in 2004 and three in 2006.

The jaguar is native to Central and South America.

"These animals serve as ambassadors for their species and educate people about the importance of habitat protection and species preservation around the world," said John Linehan, president and CEO of Zoo New England, which manages the Stone Zoo and the Franklin Park Zoo.

BELLA TRAVAGLINI