AMERICAN ZOO AND AQUARIUM ASSOCIATION Species Survival Plan Taxon Advisory Group Fauna Interest Group Scientific Advisory Group
TO: Anne Zimmerman, Director San Gabriel Zoo San Gabriel, New Mexico FROM: Barry Grady, Coordinator Sumatran Tiger Species Survival Plan Association of Zoos and Aquariums RE: Breeding plans for Sumatran tiger

The numbers look good on a Jambi-Nopi mating. If two cubs were born, the net change in gene diversity for all of captive Sumatran tigers would increase by 0.11%, rising from 91.41 (that is, 91.41% of the original gene diversity still retained) to 91.52. Not bad.

But we can't look at gene diversity alone, I'm afraid. The Philadelphia Zoo has been waiting a long time for a breeding pair. If we take their female from them, we also take away their breeding recommendation from the SSP. They may well be so disgusted with the process that they withdraw from the Tiger SSP and try breeding their tiger on their own. It's better to find another male for the Philadelphia Zoo, and a different female for Jambi.

We will inform you of our breeding recommendation soon.