Aaliyah Sokokes

"Working to preserve what has been given to us in trust."

Photo by Helmi Flick.

	Sokokes have been accepted by TICA for Preliminary New Breed Status and will begin to appear at TICA shows in May, 2008.

We first became aware of Sokokes about 3 years ago when visiting the website of Lynn Schafer-Russell at sunbrightcats.com. As we read the story behind this mysterious breed we were impressed by the dedicated efforts of the widely-spread group of people in Kenya, Europe, Canada and the United States who were working to help save the breed from extinction. When we saw our first photos of Sokokes we knew we were sunk. They are marbles! We knew then we would have to become involved and do some small part to help preserve this lovely breed.

Key points of the breed are:

	They are likely the rarest breed of cat in the world

	They are a naturally occurring domestic breed found only in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest area of Kenya, Africa

	The famous anthropologist, Dr. Richard Leakey suggests they come from a previously unknown branch of the Taita Wild Cat

	Other researchers believe they are an independant genera and may be the "Missing Link" to the appearance of the classic tabby pattern in modern domestic cats

	In 1993 the Sokoke was accepted for Championship status in FiFe

	In 1998 the first Sokoke arrived in the US and UFO accepted the breed in New Breed

	In August, 2003, they became one of TICA's newest recognized breeds

We are hoping other serious breeders who either love marbled cats or care about the future of unique breeds will join us in our efforts to keep the Sokoke going strong in the US. Please contact us for additional information on this lovely breed.

"Tambiko"

Tambiko means "offering" in Swahili. This big, sweet, black african tabby will be staying here to sire more wonderful babies for us. We are offering him at stud to dedicated, approved Sokoke breeding programs.

Photos of Tambiko by Helmi Flick.

"Kiwi"

This is Kiwi, or "dazzle" in Swahili. The most beautiful and gentle soul I have ever known.

Photos of Kiwi by Helmi Flick.

Tambiko and Kiwi's parents are:

Sire: RoJon Akimofo

Dam: RoJon Mpenzi of Aaliyah

Photos of Akimofo by Helmi Flick and used with permission from Rojon Sokokes.
Photo of Mpenzi by Helmi Flick.

"Mpenzi" means "beloved" in Swahili - and she certainly is! She gave us 3 amazing babies in her first litter and her second litter is due very soon. "Mpenzi" was an exemplary mother and loved for us to admire and handle her babies. I am so impressed by the gentleness of this breed. Proud sire of our expected litter is our newest male, Cherokeepoint Zamani of Aaliyah, a handsome, typey, brown african tabby (our favorite color). Inquiries always welcome from serious breeders and those who just may want something special as a family companion.

Introducing our newest Queen:

Sunbright Aaliyah of Aaliyah
"Liya"

Her sire is Arabuko Ndume of Sunbright
Her dam is Mudzo of Sunbright

"Liya" has beautiful Sokoke type written all over her. We are so fortunate to have her for our breeding program. She has just raised a happy, healthy litter for us and we are looking ahead to her next litter which will be sired by our own Tambiko.