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 decent on a Jambi-Sheba mating. If two cubs were born, the net change in gene diversity for all of captive Sumatran tigers would increase by 0.04%, rising from 91.41 (that is, 91.41% of the original gene diversity still retained) to 91.45. Not bad.

But we can't look at gene diversity alone, I'm afraid. Sheba is currently at New York. Transferring a tiger of her age (13 years) is risky in itself, and even more so when you hope to breed her. She would probably adjust slowly to the change in climate, with a corresponding impact on her estrus cycles. I strongly suspect that she would produce no litter with Jambi.

We will inform you of our breeding recommendation soon.