TERRA NATURA in Benidorm has sent two twin ocelots born in 2008, Yagul and Seibo, to the Falconara zoo in Italy, so that there are no interbreeding problems in their group. They were anaesthetized so they would not suffer stress during the trip. If they had stayed at Terra Natura and mated with other ocelots in the group to which they are related, this could have led to genetic diseases and malformations. This way, the strain remains pure and they will be able to mate with other ocelots, making new strains.

The Italian zoo was inspected, and has received recommendations regarding the ocelots’ diet and care, as well as being given a clean bill of health and all their paperwork.

Although the two ocelots are twins, the mother rejected one of them and they were brought up apart, one of them hand-reared. However, they do not get along extremely well, despite the fact that male ocelots can be very territorial.

via Euro Weekly News | Ocelots sent to Italy | Costa Blanca | News.