Seiba the jaguar--Rare genes make cat valuable breed stock

<a href=goerie.com>goerie.com Seiba’s ancestors come from Guatemala, a Central American country that has not provided many animals for zoos in the United States. As such, her genes are a valuable commodity in the “Species Survival Plan,” which matches animals in zoos for breeding purposes. A more diverse gene pool helps promote healthier offspring. (Isaac Brekken)

By MATTHEW RINK matt.rink@timesnews.com

Though one of the newest additions to the Erie Zoo never appeared on an episode of "The Bachelorette," she did make her way to the city through a dating game of sorts.

Zoo spokesman Scott Mitchell said Seiba, a 14-month-old jaguar, is part of the "Species Survival Plan," which works to match animals with the best zoos and best potential bloodlines. "For lack of a better word, it's a giant computer-dating service," Mitchell said.

Seiba is prowling her new home at the zoo after arriving from Fort Worth, Texas. Zoo visitors can see Seiba in the Climbing Cat Exhibit.

Mitchell said Seiba's bloodline is what makes her special.

The zoo's newest cat comes from a bloodline of parents native to Guatemala, a Central American country that isn't well represented in American zoos, he said.

"To have a new bloodline introduced like this is exciting," he said.

Seiba's bloodline is so rare that she's one of the most valuable jaguars in the country, Mitchell said.

Seiba, pronounced Say-buh, will rotate cages with the zoo's older jaguar, Dia. But Dia is considered too old to be her mate; Seiba will be getting a new mate from Venezuela.

Because of Seiba's bloodline, the zoo is now eligible to receive another rare jaguar. If all goes as planned, the zoo will receive a male cat from Venezuela, Mitchell said. Like Seiba, the male jaguar will make a stop in Texas before coming to Erie.

The potential pairing makes the Erie Zoo one of the best places in the country for jaguars, Mitchell said.

Seiba, and her potential Venezuelan date are genetically important because they would become one of a dozen pairs of jaguars in the country recommended for breeding, Mitchell said.

Most of the other jaguars in the country share the same bloodline, increasing the risk of genetic defects, he said. "This is a story we don't get to tell very often, but it's important to us," Mitchell said. "One of the missions we have is to be part of the conservation program."

About Seiba • Name: Seiba (pronounced "Say-buh") • Age: 14 months • Gender: female • Birthplace: Fort Worth Zoo, Texas • Weight: About 75 pounds • Why she's here: To take part in breeding program • Where in the zoo she can be found: The Climbing Cat exhibit Seiba's species is the largest of the cat family. Jaguars mainly live in the forest and can be found in the Amazon Basin in South America. The jaguar has become an endangered species and is close to extinction in North America.

Jaguar experts from zoos across the country selected Erie as Seiba's home because of the zoo's newer facility and its expertise in breeding rare cats. In recent years, the zoo has delivered three successful litters of Amur leopards, also an endangered species.

"Today, zoos are about a lot more than just coming to see pretty animals," Mitchell said. "We have a role in preserving a species."

MATTHEW RINK can be reached at 870-1702 or by e-mail.

Last changed: May 30. 2003 12:58AM