North American Asian Elephant Institutions

[Elephant Enthusiast]

The purpose of this thread is to evaluate the standard of commitment for institutions that maintain Asian elephants in North America, and to collaborate with the thread North American Asian Elephant Population and North American Asian Elephant Reproduction.

In North America, there are 46 institutions that house Asian elephants. Of those 46 institutions, 31 facilities are accredited while 15 facilities are not accredited. Many zoos in North America are either committing to their elephant program by building a new state of the art enclosure or ending their elephant program by phasing out their elephants. After examining the accredited institutions, there are a number of facilities that should phase out their elephants or have intentions to do. Here are the evaluations on the 31 accredited institutions.

African Lion Safari - Cambridge, Ontario, Canada
The African Lion Safari has done outstanding work with the reproduction of Asian elephants and the development of matriarchal herds. Rather than an exhibit, the facility has acres of natural landscape and terrain for their elephants to roam. The only negative aspect of the facility is the performance of their elephants for shows and rides, and the use of bullhooks while in free contact. If the African Lion Safari discontinued these activities and replaced them with protected contact training and educational keeper talks, the facility would be one of the best in the nation.

Phoenix Zoo - Phoenix, Arizona, USA
The Phoenix Zoo has done little to update the elephant exhibit and is small compared to the newly constructed habitats at other zoos. Despite the size of the enclosure, the exhibit provides logs, tires, and barrels for enrichment, shade structures for shelter, and a pool for wallowing. The facility can only accommodate a few elephants due to its size. The Phoenix Zoo seems committed to their elephant program but until renovations are done to the exhibit to accommodate a larger herd, the Phoenix Zoo elephant program is up for debate.

Little Rock Zoo - Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
The Little Rock Zoo has renovated the elephant facility but the enclosure for their elephants is still rather small. Despite the size of the enclosure, the exhibit provides tires and barrels for enrichment, naturally growing trees for shelter, and a pool for wallowing. The facility can only accommodate a few elephants due to its size. The Little Rock Zoo seems committed to their elephant program but the zoo doesn’t have the space to expand its elephant enclosure any more than it already has so the Little Rock Zoo should consider phasing its elephants to other facilities.

Los Angeles Zoo - Los Angeles, California, USA
The Los Angeles Zoo has constructed a completely new elephant habitat which was built with the intention to house a large herd of elephants. In addition, the new enclosure enables elephants to explore different aspects of every exhibit from the water features to the natural and artificial enrichment. The facility can accommodate a large herd of elephants which is ideal for either a herd of unrelated elephants or a matriarchal herd. The Los Angeles Zoo is very much committed to their elephant program so the acquisition of more elephants would benefit the facility.

San Diego Zoo - San Diego, California, USA
The San Diego Zoo has constructed a completely new elephant habitat which was built with the intention to focus on the husbandry of older elephants. In addition, the new enclosure provides logs and barrels for enrichment, large shade structures for shelter, and a massive pool for wallowing. The facility can accommodate a large herd of elephants which is perfect for a herd of older elephants. The San Diego Zoo is very much committed to their elephant program so the acquisition of more elephants would benefit the facility.

Santa Barbara Zoo - Santa Barbara, California, USA
The Santa Barbara Zoo has renovated the elephant facility but the enclosure for their elephants is still rather small. Despite the size of the enclosure, the exhibit provides a feeder wall and logs for enrichment, a shade structure for shelter, and a pool for wallowing. The facility can only accommodate a couple of elephants due to its size. The Santa Barbara has intentions on phasing their elephants so the best option would be to transfer their elephants to another facility rather than wait for one of the elephants to die.

Denver Zoo - Denver, Colorado, USA
The Denver Zoo has constructed a completely new elephant habitat which was built with the intention to house a bachelor herd of elephants. In addition, the new enclosure provides logs and feeder rocks for enrichment, and large pools in almost every exhibit for wallowing. The facility can accommodate a large herd of elephants which is ideal for either a bachelor herd or a matriarchal herd. The Denver Zoo is very much committed to their elephant program so the acquisition of more bulls or a matriarchal herd would benefit the facility.

Smithsonian National Zoo - Washington, D.C., USA
The Smithsonian National Zoo has vastly renovated the elephant facility allowing for more space to expand the indoor and outdoor spaces and to increase their herd of elephants. In addition, the new enclosure provides logs, tires, and barrels for enrichment, shade structures for shelter, and pools for wallowing. The facility can accommodate a large herd of elephants which is ideal for a matriarchal herd and new Elephant Community Center enables many elephants to be together in an indoor setting. The Smithsonian National Zoo is very much committed to their elephant program so the acquisition of a bull for breeding would benefit the facility.

Busch Gardens Tampa - Tampa, Florida, USA
The Busch Gardens Tampa has done little to update the elephant exhibit and is small compared to the newly constructed habitats at other zoos. Despite the size of the enclosure, the exhibit provides logs, tires, and barrels for enrichment, a shade structure for shelter, and a large pool for wallowing. The facility can only accommodate a small herd of elephants due to its size. The Busch Gardens Tampa seems committed to their elephant program but until renovations are done to the exhibit to accommodate a larger herd and breeding individuals are acquired, the Busch Gardens Tampa elephant program is up for debate.

Miami Zoo - Miami, Florida, USA
The Miami Zoo has done little to update the elephant exhibit and is small compared to the newly constructed habitats at other zoos. Despite the size of the enclosure, the exhibit provides a feeder tree, logs, and barrels for enrichment, a shade structure for shelter, and a pool for wallowing. Even though the elephant exhibit is undersized, the facility has the potential to expand and construct a sizable enclosure. The Miami Zoo seems committed to their elephant program so renovations to the facility and the acquisition of more elephants would benefit the facility.

Honolulu Zoo - Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
The Honolulu Zoo has constructed a completely new elephant habitat but the enclosure for their elephants is still rather small. Despite the size of the enclosure, the exhibit provides logs, tires, and barrels for enrichment, shade structures and naturally growing trees for shelter, and pools for wallowing. Even though the zoo has good intentions, its distance from the mainland United States makes transferring elephants difficult and stressful on the elephants. The Honolulu Zoo seems committed to their elephant program but the zoo doesn’t have the space to expand its elephant enclosure any more than it already has so the Honolulu Zoo should consider phasing its elephants to other facilities.

Topeka Zoo - Topeka, Kansas, USA
The Topeka Zoo has renovated the elephant facility but the enclosure for their elephants is still rather small. Despite the size of the enclosure, the exhibit provides logs, tires, and barrels for enrichment, a shade structure for shelter, and a pool for wallowing. The facility can only accommodate a couple of elephants due to its size. The Topeka Zoo is committed to their elephant program but the renovation to the exhibit had no significant change on the size of the enclosure and the zoo has intentions on phasing their Asian elephants and acquiring African elephants in the future so the Topeka Zoo should consider phasing its elephants to other facilities.

Louisville Zoo - Louisville, Kentucky, USA
The Louisville Zoo has renovated the elephant facility but the enclosure for their elephants is still rather small. Despite the size of the enclosure, the exhibit provides logs and feeder rocks for enrichment, a shade structure for shelter, and a pool for wallowing. The facility can only accommodate a couple of elephants due to its size. The Louisville Zoo seems committed to their elephant program but the renovation to the exhibit had no significant change on the size of the enclosure so the Louisville Zoo should consider phasing its elephants to other facilities.

Audubon Zoo - New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
The Audubon Zoo has constructed a completely new elephant habitat but the enclosure for their elephants is still rather small. Despite the size of the enclosure, the exhibit provides a feeder log and tires for enrichment, naturally growing trees for shelter, and a large pool for wallowing. The facility can only accommodate a few elephants due to its size. The Audubon Zoo seems committed to their elephant program but the enclosure is still undersized despite the renovations so the Audubon Zoo elephant program is up for debate.

Buttonwood Park Zoo - New Bedford, Massachusetts, USA
The Buttonwood Park Zoo has done little, if anything, to update the elephant exhibit and is small compared to the enclosures at other zoos. Despite the size of the enclosure, the exhibit provides logs and tires for enrichment, a shade structure for shelter, and a pool for wallowing. The facility is minuscule and unstimulating to the elephants that reside there. The Buttonwood Park Zoo has intentions on phasing their elephants so the best option would be to transfer their elephants to another facility rather than wait for one of the elephants to die.

Saint Louis Zoo - St. Louis, Missouri, USA
The Saint Louis Zoo has renovated the elephant facility with the newest addition being the Elephant Woods enclosure which increased the elephant facility significantly. In addition, the enclosure provides logs and trees for enrichment, naturally growing trees for shelter, and large pools for wallowing. The facility can accommodate a large herd of elephants which is ideal for a matriarchal herd. The Saint Louis Zoo is very much committed to their elephant program so the continuation of developing a matriarchal herd would benefit the facility.

Dickerson Park Zoo - Springfield, Missouri, USA
The Dickerson Park Zoo has done little to update the elephant exhibit and is small compared to the newly constructed habitats at other zoos. Despite the size of the enclosure, the exhibit provides logs and tires for enrichment, naturally growing trees for shelter, and a pool for wallowing. Even though the elephant exhibit is undersized, the facility has the potential to expand and construct a sizable enclosure. The Dickerson Park Zoo seems committed to their elephant program so the expansion and construction of new enclosures and the acquisition of breeding elephants would benefit the facility.

Albuquerque Zoo - Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
The Albuquerque Zoo has renovated the elephant facility allowing for more space to expand the enclosure and grow their herd of elephants. In addition, the enclosure provides logs, tires, and barrels for enrichment, naturally growing trees for shelter, and a large pool for wallowing. The facility can accommodate a large herd of elephants which is ideal for a matriarchal herd. The Albuquerque Zoo is very much committed to their elephant program so the continuation of developing a matriarchal herd would benefit the facility.

Bronx Zoo - Bronx, New York, USA
The Bronx Zoo has done little, if anything, to update the elephant exhibit and is small compared to the enclosures at other zoos. Despite the size of the enclosure, the exhibit provides a feeder tree and logs for enrichment, naturally growing trees for shelter, and a pool for wallowing. The facility is minuscule and does not to offer proper viewing areas for visitors. The Bronx Zoo has intentions on phasing their elephants so the best option would be to transfer their elephants to another facility rather than wait for one of the elephants to die.

Buffalo Zoo - Buffalo, New York, USA
The Buffalo Zoo has done little, if anything, to update the elephant exhibit and is small compared to the enclosures at other zoos. Despite the size of the enclosure, the exhibit provides logs, tires, and barrels for enrichment, naturally growing trees for shelter, and a pool for wallowing. The facility is minuscule and can only accommodate a couple of elephants. The Buffalo Zoo seems committed to their elephant program but the zoo doesn’t appear to have expansion plans for their elephant facility so the Buffalo Zoo should consider phasing its elephants to other facilities.

Rosamond Gifford Zoo - Syracuse, New York, USA
The Rosamond Gifford Zoo has constructed a completely new elephant habitat which was built with the intention to grow their herd of elephants. In addition, the new enclosure provides artificial logs and natural trees for enrichment, shade structures for shelter, and a large pool for wallowing. The facility can accommodate a reasonable size herd of elephants which is ideal for a matriarchal herd. The Rosamond Gifford Zoo is very much committed to their elephant program so the continuation of developing a matriarchal herd would benefit the facility.

Cincinnati Zoo - Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
The Cincinnati Zoo has renovated the elephant facility allowing for more space to expand the enclosure and reestablish the breeding program. In addition, the female enclosure provides logs and trees for enrichment, a shade structure and naturally growing trees for shelter, and a pool for wallowing where as the male enclosure provides a waterfall and logs for enrichment, a shade structure for shelter, and a pool for wallowing. Rather than isolate the bull elephant to his own exhibit, the facility should expand and construct new enclosures to hold a bull elephant and accommodate a matriarchal herd. The Cincinnati Zoo is very much committed to their elephant program so the expansion and construction of new enclosures would benefit the facility.

Columbus Zoo - Powell, Ohio, USA
The Columbus Zoo has renovated the elephant facility allowing for more naturalistic flooring within the indoor spaces. In addition, the enclosure provides natural and artificial logs for enrichment, naturally growing trees for shelter, and a large pool for wallowing. The facility can accommodate a large herd of elephants which is ideal for a matriarchal herd. The Columbus Zoo is very much committed to their elephant program so the continuation of developing a matriarchal herd would benefit the facility.

Oklahoma City Zoo - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
The Oklahoma City Zoo has constructed a completely new elephant habitat which was built with the intention to house a large herd of elephants. In addition, the new enclosure provides logs and barrels for enrichment, shade structures for shelter, and pools for wallowing. The facility can accommodate a large herd of elephants which is ideal for a matriarchal herd. The Oklahoma City Zoo is very much committed to their elephant program so the continuation of developing a matriarchal herd would benefit the facility.

Tulsa Zoo - Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
The Tulsa Zoo has done little to update the elephant exhibit and is small compared to the newly constructed habitats at other zoos. Despite the size of the enclosure, the exhibit provides logs and barrels for enrichment, shade structures for shelter, and pools for wallowing. Even though the elephant exhibit is undersized, the facility has the potential to expand and construct a sizable enclosure. The Tulsa Zoo seems committed to their elephant program so the expansion and construction of new enclosures and the acquisition of breeding elephants would benefit the facility.

Oregon Zoo - Portland, Oregon, USA
The Oregon Zoo has constructed a completely new elephant habitat which was built with the intention to house a large herd of elephants. In addition, the new enclosure provides logs, barrels, and automatically timed feeders for enrichment, shade structures for shelter, and a massive pool for wallowing. The facility can accommodate a large herd of elephants which is ideal for a matriarchal herd. The Oregon Zoo is very much committed to their elephant program so the acquisition of a breeding bull and the continuation of developing a matriarchal herd would benefit the facility.

El Paso Zoo - El Paso, Texas, USA
The El Paso Zoo has done little, if anything, to update the elephant exhibit and is small compared to the newly constructed habitats at other zoos. Despite the size of the enclosure, the exhibit provides logs and barrels for enrichment, shade structures for shelter, and a pool for wallowing. The facility can only accommodate a couple of elephants due to its size. The El Paso Zoo seems committed to their elephant program but the zoo doesn’t appear to have expansion plans for their elephant facility so the El Paso Zoo should consider phasing its elephants to other facilities.

Fort Worth Zoo - Fort Worth, Texas, USA
The Fort Worth Zoo has done little to update the elephant exhibit and is small compared to the newly constructed habitats at other zoos. Despite the size of the enclosure, the exhibit provides logs, tires, and barrels for enrichment, naturally growing trees for shelter, and a pool for wallowing. Even though the elephant exhibit is undersized, the facility has intentions on constructing a new habitat for their elephants called Elephant Springs that is scheduled for completion by Spring of 2020. The Fort Worth Zoo is very much committed to their elephant program so with the construction of the new facility, the continuation of developing a matriarchal herd would benefit the facility.

Houston Zoo - Houston, Texas, USA
The Houston Zoo has constructed a completely new elephant habitat which was built with the intention to house a large herd of elephants. In addition, the new enclosure provides a feeder tree, logs, and barrels for enrichment, shade structures and naturally growing trees for shelter, and massive pools for wallowing. The facility can accommodate a large herd of elephants which is ideal for a matriarchal herd. The Houston Zoo is very much committed to their elephant program so the continuation of developing a matriarchal herd would benefit the facility.

San Antonio Zoo - San Antonio, Texas, USA
The San Antonio Zoo has renovated the elephant facility but the enclosure for their elephants is still rather small. Despite the size of the enclosure, the exhibit provides logs, tires, and barrels for enrichment, shade structures for shelter, and a renovated pool for wallowing. The facility can only accommodate a couple of elephants due to its size. The San Antonio Zoo seems committed to their elephant program but the enclosure is still undersized despite the renovations and the zoo has intentions on phasing their Asian elephants and acquiring African elephants in the future so the San Antonio Zoo should consider phasing its elephants to other facilities.

Point Defiance Zoo - Tacoma, Washington, USA
The Point Defiance Zoo has done little, if anything, to update the elephant exhibit and is small compared to the newly constructed habitats at other zoos. Despite the size of the enclosure, the exhibit provides logs, tires, and barrels for enrichment, a shade structure for shelter, and a pool for wallowing. The facility can only accommodate a couple of elephants due to its size. The Point Defiance Zoo has intentions on phasing their elephants so the best option would be to transfer their elephants to another facility rather than wait for one of the elephants to die.

As for the 15 non accredited institutions, there are only two institutions that have the same standard of commitment as the accredited institutions who are dedicated to the care of their elephants. Those two facilities are the Performing Animal Welfare Society in San Andreas, California, and the Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, Tennessee. The other 13 facilities are either zoos, private institutions, or circuses that don’t meet the standards of AZA, use their elephants in shows for entertainment, or enable their elephants to retire from the work of performing.

 

[elefante]

Thanks for the detailed research. Interesting to read. I do agree, some zoos need to ship their elephants to better facilities.

 

[Elephant Enthusiast]

The purpose of this comment is to propose which accredited institutions within North America should continue or end their elephant program.

In North America, there are 31 accredited facilities that have either committed to their elephant program by constructing a new state of the art enclosure or have intentions to end their elephant program by phasing out their elephants. Of the 31 accredited institutions, there are 13 facilities that should exhibit and breed elephants, 7 facilities that should exhibit elephants, 11 facilities that should phase their elephants to other facilities, and 1 facility that should exhibit elephants again.

The 13 facilities that should exhibit and breed elephants are:

African Lion Safari - Cambridge, Ontario, Canada
Smithsonian National Zoo - Washington, D.C, USA
Saint Louis Zoo - St Louis, Missouri, USA
Dickerson Park Zoo - Springfield, Missouri, USA
Albuquerque Zoo - Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
Rosamond Gifford Zoo - Syracuse, New York, USA
Cincinnati Zoo - Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
Columbus Zoo - Powell, Ohio, USA
Oklahoma City Zoo - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
Tulsa Zoo - Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
Oregon Zoo - Portland, Oregon, USA
Fort Worth Zoo - Fort Worth, Texas, USA
Houston Zoo - Houston, Texas, USA

The 7 facilities that should exhibit elephants are:

Phoenix Zoo - Phoenix, Arizona, USA
Los Angeles Zoo - Los Angeles, California, USA
San Diego Zoo - San Diego, California, USA
Denver Zoo - Denver, Colorado, USA
Busch Gardens Tampa - Tampa, Florida, USA
Miami Zoo - Miami, Florida, USA
Audubon Zoo - New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

The 11 facilities that should phase their elephants to other facilities are:

Little Rock Zoo - Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
Santa Barbara Zoo - Santa Barbara, California, USA
Honolulu Zoo - Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
Topeka Zoo - Topeka, Kansas, USA
Louisville Zoo - Louisville, Kentucky, USA
Buttonwood Park Zoo - New Bedford, Massachusetts, USA
Bronx Zoo - Bronx, New York, USA
Buffalo Zoo - Buffalo, New York, USA
El Paso Zoo - El Paso, Texas, USA
San Antonio Zoo - San Antonio, Texas, USA
Point Defiance Zoo - Tacoma, Washington, USA

The 1 facility that should exhibit elephants again is:

Woodland Park Zoo - Seattle, Washington, USA

Even though the Woodland Park Zoo ended its elephant program back in 2015 with the relocation of its two remaining elephants, the facility still has the potential to reintroduce Asian elephants again. If the Woodland Park Zoo was willing to construct a completely new barn and vastly expand and revamp the outdoor enclosure, the institution could reestablish its elephant program. Since the Woodland Park Zoo has found difficulty in obtaining breeding aged elephants, it would be in their best interest to acquire elephants that are post reproductive. The three female elephants from the Cincinnati Zoo would be the ideal candidates for the Woodland Park Zoo as these females are already integrated and potentially all three females are post reproductive. Ultimately, the relocation of My Thai, Schottzie, and Jati to the Woodland Park Zoo will enable the Cincinnati Zoo to develop its breeding program and, once renovations are made to the facility, allow the Woodland Park Zoo to demonstrate its commitment to their elephant program.

Fundamentally, the institutions committed to their elephant program should acquire elephants from institutions that are phasing out their elephants. By relocating the elephants to other institutions this enables a broader social structure between elephants and allows specialized institutions to focus on either reproduction or the husbandry of older elephants. As for the Asian elephants that reside at the institutions that should phase their elephants, the thread North American Asian Elephant Population examines where these elephants should be transferred to in further detail.

 

[Coelacanth18]

@Elephant Enthusiast I forgot where I read/heard it (possibly on the Phoenix forum), but I do believe the zoo is planning to renovate and expand their elephant enclosure in the near future.

Edit: It was on the Phoenix thread, a news update from AD. Apparently it is pending following the establishment of a new tortoise exhibit; after the tortoises are moved, the elephant enclosure will expand to where the current tortoise exhibit is.

 

[AmbikaFan]

It's great to see all of this synthesized in one place! A few thoughts:

The Phoenix Zoo has a somewhat unique mission with its Asian elephant exhibit. Phoenix is dedicated to elephants who have harmed/killed humans and/or other elephants, elephants with behavioral problems. This is an admirable undertaking. I witnessed firsthand attempts to harm keepers during regular husbandry activities, despite protected contact. These pachyderm ladies can not share space with humans or one another. As a result, the current state-of-the-art exhibit is more than generous for the single elephant who will occupy it at a time. The girls are currently rotated on this exhibit. Yes, there are indeed plans for an adjacent new exhibit which will allow two of these girls to be on exhibit at once and alleviate reliance on off-exhibit holding areas. However, Phoenix's current exhibit is more than adequate given its unique situation of housing elephants who can not share space.

The African Lion Safari in Canada is a relatively unknown, but vitally important, contributor to the survival of the Asian elephant in North American human care. Charlie Gray has had breeding success comparable in numbers only to Ringling and has contributed very significantly to knowledge of elephant breeding and behavior. For those who don't know, this elephant program exists within an animal park/drive-through African safari. There is a herd of 19 Asian elephants, at least half of whom have been bred there. Yes, there is a "performance," but it isn't different from the "keeper demonstrations" that aim to demonstrate natural elephant behaviors. As a result, there is already a great deal of education happening--plus, visitors can visit with a keeper and elephant after the demonstration. What an amazing up-close opportunity to marvel at this amazing animal! The discipline and peaceful co-existence of all these animals is impressive. Gray maintains that having multiple males has suppressed musth in this group, and indeed, males are calmly involved in all activities, perhaps the most amazing of which is an end-of-the-day swim in the park's lake. Each day, from 10-14 elephants traverse the park on pedestrian paths from their huge accommodations, trunk-to-tail, to the lake for a swim. This includes males, females, calves cavorting and frolicking in the water. It's one of the most wonderful--and natural--elephant demonstrations I've seen--and it's entirely an activity that they clearly love doing. For everything that this facility is contributing to education, reproduction, and research, the offering of rides should be readily forgiven. It should be noted that as a Canadian institution, ALS is not disobeying any laws by not complying with American AZA protected contact and no-bullhook requirements. For what it's worth, not every keeper carried a bullhook, and in two solid days, I never say one used in any way.

If any institution in America should return to breeding Asian elephants, it should without doubt be the Bronx Zoo. As part of the Wildlife Conservation Society and its expansive worldwide programs in the wild, the Bronx Zoo has documented commitment to saving species and substantial funds for its programming. WCS/Bronx has unparalleled scientific and breeding expertise and--just as importantly--has one of the largest zoo campuses in the world. They have expertise, room, and resources to accommodate a breeding herd of Asian elephants. More than a decade ago, the zoo succombed to pressure to end its exhibit and send its remaining three elephants--indeed, a sad situation in which one must live alone or be harmed by the other two--to other facilities. The zoo agreed to end its program but only when its animals had died. Since then, elephants Happy, Patty, and Maxine remain at the zoo, and two years ago, WCS announced Asian elephants as a species it was planning to devote particular attention. This could mean its programs in the wild. However, it would be wonderful if WCS used some of its massive acreage to create a state-of-the-art exhibit (as it has recently done with sharks in its NY Aquarium) to conserve and breed Asian elephants, using Happy as the founding "auntie" of a multi-generational herd.

I notice that Ringling's conservation center in Florida is not on your list, and I've heard rumors that its remaining elephants could be moved to a sanctuary just north of its current location. As of 2016, Ringling AI'd its breeding-age performing elephants, so they were still engaging in breeding as of that time. They have contributed very generously with the loan of both males and females to zoos around the country and have had more success than any institution in the country, but they were devastated by the loss of calves Mike and Nate to EEHV. Have they formally decided to end their elephant program?

 

[TinoPup]

Smithsonian Zoo did acquire a bull last month for breeding purposes, 36 year old Spike, who came from Busch Gardens. (Smithsonian’s National Zoo Welcomes Male Asian Elephant)

Oregon Zoo does have a bull, Sam, who is 10 this year, so reaching breeding age. Their problem isn't really having a bull; they're lacking a mate for him. Of their 4 females, one is his mother, one is his 6 year old sister, and I don't think they'd try breeding little rescue Chendra, leaving just 36 year old Sun-Surin.

What do you think of the new facility at Oregon? Given the transition most zoos are doing to hands-off care, I was a little surprised by their elephant show. I was also very surprised by the set-up for the show/pool area. Supposedly the elephants can't get out because of a curved wall in the pool, but the low fence wouldn't stop anyone from getting in.

Edit: Oregon got another bull last week, 19-year-old Samson from ABQ.

 

[AmbikaFan]

The Oregon exhibit is extraordinary, especially the indoor facilities!

Samson should be a good addition to this gene pool for his mother Kitty's contribution. Sun-Surin (known as Shine) has some issue with cysts, I believe it is, that has precluded her breeding. She, as great aunt, is also related to young Sam. Chendra, a rare Bornean elephant, had been cleared by AZA to breed Tusko before his unexpected death; AZA must approve of Samson for this purpose as well. This was a good move, proving Oregon with a stud for potentially three females and leaving ABQ in good hands with Samson's half-brother and proven sire Albert.

 

[Elephant Enthusiast]

These pachyderm ladies can not share space with humans or one another.

I see the reason for protected contact as these females are known to be aggressive towards their keepers but I was unaware that even the females were aggressive towards each other. Are Indu, Reba, and Sheena kept separate because their incompatible with one another or because of dominance over hierarchy?

There are indeed plans for an adjacent new exhibit which will allow two of these girls to be on exhibit at once and alleviate reliance on off-exhibit holding areas.

While elated that the Phoenix Zoo has plans to expand the elephant exhibit, I don’t necessarily agree with the living arrangement. Elephants should be able to interact and socialize with other elephants, but the situation at the Phoenix Zoo does not enable Indu, Reba, and Sheena to be in the companionship of compatible herdmates. Since the future of captive elephants relies on the development of matriarchal herds, the Phoenix Zoo will either need to vastly expand their elephant facility to accommodate a matriarchal herd or phase out their elephant program.

There is a herd of 19 Asian elephants [at African Lion Safari].

Based on this source: Asian Elephant Breeding | African Lion Safari | Cambridge Ontario, African Lion Safari currently has 16 (4.12) Asian elephants. The herd consists of the four males: George, Johnson, Chuck, and Jake and the twelve females: Jenny, Maggie, Lilly, Natasha, Piccolina, Opal, Emily, Nellie, Hannah, Gigi, Anna May, and Rose.

There is a "performance," but it isn't different from the "keeper demonstrations" that aim to demonstrate natural elephant behaviors.

I beg to differ. Based on the following sources between 2013 and 2017:
Elephant show at African Lion Safari in Canada - YouTube
Elephant Show - African Lion Safari - YouTube
Amazing Elephant Show African Lion Safari Canada - YouTube
Amazing Elephants Show at African Lion Safari in Canada - YouTube
Elephants Show at African Lion Safari - Elephant Roundup - YouTube
The elephant demonstration does not appear to show natural elephant behaviors. I believe people should have the opportunity to see elephants up close but not at the expense of the elephants. Captive elephants should be able to socialize with one another in a suitable habitat rather than use them for shows and rides. Protected contact should be implemented in all institutions as that ensures the safety of the keepers and the personal space of the elephants.

If any institution in America should return to breeding Asian elephants, it should without doubt be the Bronx Zoo.

I would have to disagree. The Bronx Zoo has shown little to no interest in their elephant program as evidence by their intention to phase out the elephants once one or more pass. Since the elephant facility is minuscule and does not to offer proper viewing areas for visitors, the Bronx Zoo should end their elephant program and transfer their elephants to another facility.

I notice that Ringling's conservation center in Florida is not on your list, and I've heard rumors that its remaining elephants could be moved to a sanctuary just north of its current location.

Based on the following source: PETA says Feld closing Center for Elephant Conservation, the Center for Elephant Conservation may be phasing their elephants to other institutions. While there has been no official claim from the CEC, the remaining elephants could potentially be transferred to the White Oak Conservation Center in Yulee, Florida. Since the Center for Elephant Conservation maintains many breeding aged females with matriarchal family ties, those females, along with their matriarchal herd members, should be transferred to zoos that have intentions on developing a matriarchal herd. This will enable institutions to breed Asian elephants and alleviate the pressure of space on the CEC or it’s future predecessor.

As of 2016, Ringling AI'd its breeding-age performing elephants, so they were still engaging in breeding as of that time.

It’s nice to know that the CEC is still contributing to the Asian elephant breeding program in North America. Is there any possibility that any of the artificially inseminated females successfully become pregnant and are expecting some time this year? Based on the following source: Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Retire their Elephants and Close Down, Shirley became pregnant through Charlie, the breeding bull, and was expecting in September of 2016. What was the result of Shirley’s pregnancy?

Samson should be a good addition to this gene pool for his mother Kitty's contribution.

While Samson could be considered genetically valuable through his mother Kitty, as she was wildborn, further examination of the family lineage suggests otherwise. Tusko, the former Oregon Zoo breeding bull, and Kitty produced a son named Nikolai. Nikolai has produced 15 viable offspring with 6 different females. Calvin, the father of Samson, produced 10 viable offspring, in addition to Samson, with 8 different females, 4 of those in North America and 4 of those in Europe. Overall, when you take the family lineage into account, Samson becomes less genetically valuable.

This was a good move, proving Oregon with a stud for potentially three females and leaving ABQ in good hands with Samson's half-brother and proven sire Albert.

While elated that the Oregon Zoo has a breeding bull again, I would have to disagree with the candidate choice. Samson comes from a family lineage that is well represented in North America and Europe. Since Rose Tu is a genetically valuable female, an equally genetically valuable male, such as Billy, should be bred with Rose Tu. In addition, I would have to disagree with the pairing of Albert and Rozana. Albert comes from a family lineage that is well represented in North America and Europe. Since Rozana is a genetically valuable female, an equally genetically valuable male, such as Sabu, should be bred with Rozana.

 

[Jaxton]

Smithsonian Zoo did acquire a bull last month for breeding purposes, 36 year old Spike, who came from Busch Gardens. (Smithsonian’s National Zoo Welcomes Male Asian Elephant)

Oregon Zoo does have a bull, Sam, who is 10 this year, so reaching breeding age. Their problem isn't really having a bull; they're lacking a mate for him. Of their 4 females, one is his mother, one is his 6 year old sister, and I don't think they'd try breeding little rescue Chendra, leaving just 36 year old Sun-Surin.

What do you think of the new facility at Oregon? Given the transition most zoos are doing to hands-off care, I was a little surprised by their elephant show. I was also very surprised by the set-up for the show/pool area. Supposedly the elephants can't get out because of a curved wall in the pool, but the low fence wouldn't stop anyone from getting in.

Edit: Oregon got another bull last week, 19-year-old Samson from ABQ.

Rose-Tu and Sung-Surin are cousins, so Sam is related to Sung-Surin.

 

[TinoPup]

Rose-Tu and Sung-Surin are cousins, so Sam is related to Sung-Surin.

Thanks! I'm not well-versed in lineage, and the website doesn't mention that, that I saw.

 

[Elephant Enthusiast]

More Home to Roam - The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden & Australia Exhibit, New Elephant Yard Coming To Cincinnati Zoo

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is launching a $150 million capital campaign for the new master plan. Local philanthropists, Harry and Linda Fath, have stepped up with an unprecedented, transformational gift of $50 million to kick off the campaign.

The jewel of the campaign will be a next generation habitat called Elephant Trek which will be nearly five times the size of the current elephant yards and will feature naturalistic trees, mud wallows, grasses, pools and streams. The effort to build a better home for them demonstrates its continued commitment to care for this magnificent species.




Even though the design of the habitat is rather simple, the type of design is ideal for all zoological institutions that are committed to their elephant program. A large expanse of land for the elephants to roam and the opportunity to explore different components of the habitat. Based on the renderings, it would appear that the small building in the middle back of the habitat is the indoor holding facility. While small in size, the indoor holding facility should only serve as the night quarters and the elephants should be able to spend a duration of their time in the habitat.



Based on the rendering and description for Elephant Reserve, the Elephant House will be significantly renovated and a new animal habitat will be added. Since Elephant Reserve is remaining under the same title, it would appear that elephants will reside at Elephant Trek and Elephant Reserve. If this is the case, the Cincinnati Zoo should only have elephants at Elephant Trek and dedicate Elephant Reserve to a different species. Since Rhino Reserve will be dedicated to the Black Rhinoceros once renovations are complete and the Indian Rhinoceros will be phased from the exhibit, Elephant Reserve should house the Indian Rhinoceros. The renovations to Elephant Reserve would enable a breeding pair of Indian Rhinoceros to live in a spacious enclosure and allow the species to reproduce.

The Cincinnati Zoo will certainly be able to develop a matriarchal herd once construction of Elephant Trek is complete. Since the current herd of females are post reproductive, the acquisition of a matriarchal herd would be beneficial. As a recommendation, Johnson from African Lion Safari and Alana, Asha, and April from the Center for Elephant Conservation should be transferred to the Cincinnati Zoo to establish a breeding matriarchal herd. As for the current herd, Sabu should be transferred to the Albuquerque Zoo to breed with Rozana while My Thai, Schottzie, and Jati should be transferred to the Los Angeles Zoo.

 

[Elephant Enthusiast]

The purpose of this comment is to update and reiterate which accredited institutions within North America should continue or end their elephant program.

After reviewing the evaluations of the 31 accredited institutions, there are some evaluations that should be changed due to the revelation of new information on certain institutions. Because of these revisions, there are new or reiterated evaluations on the 31 accredited institutions. Following each institution will be an evaluation of why the institution should continue of end their elephant program and what the institution should do with their elephant program.

Zoos that should exhibit & breed elephants:

African Lion Safari - Cambridge, Ontario, Canada
African Lion Safari should exhibit and breed elephants as the institution has done outstanding work with the reproduction of Asian elephants and the habitat has acres of natural landscape and terrain for their elephants to roam.

Smithsonian National Zoo - Washington, D.C, USA
The Smithsonian National Zoo should exhibit and breed elephants as the institution has the potential to develop a matriarchal herd and the habitat has been renovated and expanded to enable more room for the elephants to roam.

Saint Louis Zoo - St Louis, Missouri, USA
The Saint Louis Zoo should exhibit and breed elephants as the institution has the potential to develop a matriarchal herd and the habitat has been renovated and expanded to enable more room for the elephants to roam.

Dickerson Park Zoo - Springfield, Missouri, USA
The Dickerson Park Zoo should exhibit and breed elephants as the institution has the potential to develop a matriarchal herd once obtained but the habitat needs to be renovated and expanded to enable more room for the elephants to roam.

Albuquerque Zoo - Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
The Albuquerque Zoo should exhibit and breed elephants as the institution has the potential to develop a matriarchal herd and the habitat has been renovated and expanded to enable more room for the elephants to roam.

Rosamond Gifford Zoo - Syracuse, New York, USA
The Rosamond Gifford Zoo should exhibit and breed elephants as the institution has the potential to develop a matriarchal herd and the habitat has been renovated and expanded to enable more room for the elephants to roam.

Cincinnati Zoo - Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
The Cincinnati Zoo should exhibit and breed elephants as the institution has the potential to develop a matriarchal herd and the habitat will be renovated and expanded in the near future to enable more room for the elephants to roam.

Columbus Zoo - Powell, Ohio, USA
The Columbus Zoo should exhibit and breed elephants as the institution has the potential to develop a matriarchal herd and the habitat has been renovated and expanded to enable more room for the elephants to roam.

Oklahoma City Zoo - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
The Oklahoma City Zoo should exhibit and breed elephants as the institution has the potential to develop a matriarchal herd and the habitat has been renovated and expanded to enable more room for the elephants to roam.

Tulsa Zoo - Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
The Tulsa Zoo should exhibit and breed elephants as the institution has the potential to develop a matriarchal herd once obtained but the habitat needs to be renovated and expanded to enable more room for the elephants to roam.

Oregon Zoo - Portland, Oregon, USA
The Oregon Zoo should exhibit and breed elephants as the institution has the potential to develop a matriarchal herd and the habitat has been renovated and expanded to enable more room for the elephants to roam.

Fort Worth Zoo - Fort Worth, Texas, USA
The Fort Worth Zoo should exhibit and breed elephants as the institution has the potential to develop a matriarchal herd and the habitat will be renovated and expanded in the near future to enable more room for the elephants to roam.

Houston Zoo - Houston, Texas, USA
The Houston Zoo should exhibit and breed elephants as the institution has the potential to develop a matriarchal herd and the habitat has been renovated and expanded to enable more room for the elephants to roam.

Zoos that should exhibit elephants:

Los Angeles Zoo - Los Angeles, California, USA
The Los Angeles Zoo should exhibit elephants as the institution has the ability to house a large herd of post reproductive elephants and the habitat has been renovated and expanded to enable more room for the elephants to roam.

San Diego Zoo - San Diego, California, USA
The San Diego Zoo should exhibit elephants as the institution has the ability to house a large herd of post reproductive elephants and the habitat has been renovated and expanded to enable more room for the elephants to roam.

Denver Zoo - Denver, Colorado, USA
The Denver Zoo should exhibit elephants as the institution has the ability to house a large herd of bull elephants and the habitat has been renovated and expanded to enable more room for the elephants to roam.

Miami Zoo - Miami, Florida, USA
The Miami Zoo should exhibit elephants as the institution has the ability to house a herd of post reproductive elephants and the habitat has been renovated and expanded to enable more room for the elephants to roam.

Zoos that should exhibit elephant but not long term:

Phoenix Zoo - Phoenix, Arizona, USA
The Phoenix Zoo should exhibit elephants as the institution has the ability to house a small herd of post reproductive elephants but the intended renovations will not offer enough space for a matriarchal herd.

Busch Gardens Tampa - Tampa, Florida, USA
Busch Gardens Tampa should exhibit elephants as the institution has the ability to house a herd of post reproductive elephants but the habitat does not offer enough space for a matriarchal herd.

Audubon Zoo - New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
The Audubon Zoo should should exhibit elephants as the institution has the ability to house a small herd of post reproductive elephants but the renovated and expanded habitat does not offer enough space for a matriarchal herd.

Zoos that should phase out their elephants:

Little Rock Zoo - Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
The Little Rock Zoo should phase out elephants as the institution doesn’t have the space to expand its elephant enclosure any more than it already has and the habitat can only house a couple of elephants due to its size.

Santa Barbara Zoo - Santa Barbara, California, USA
The Little Rock Zoo should phase out elephants as the institution has intentions to phase out their elephants in the near future and the habitat can only house a couple of elephants due to its size.

Honolulu Zoo - Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
The Honolulu Zoo should should phase out elephants as the institution doesn’t have the space to expand its elephant enclosure any more than it already has and the habitat can only house a couple of elephants due to its size.

Topeka Zoo - Topeka, Kansas, USA
The Topeka Zoo should phase out elephants as the institution has intentions to phase out their Asian elephants and acquire African elephants in the near future and the habitat can only house a couple of elephants due to its size.

Louisville Zoo - Louisville, Kentucky, USA
The Louisville Zoo should should phase out elephants as the institution doesn’t have the space to expand its elephant enclosure any more than it already has and the habitat can only house a couple of elephants due to its size.

Buttonwood Park Zoo - New Bedford, Massachusetts, USA
The Buttonwood Park Zoo should phase out elephants as the institution has intentions to phase out their elephants in the near future and the habitat can only house a couple of elephants due to its size.

Bronx Zoo - Bronx, New York, USA
The Bronx Zoo should phase out elephants as the institution has intentions to phase out their elephants in the near future and the habitat can only house a couple of elephants due to its size.

Buffalo Zoo - Buffalo, New York, USA
The Buffalo Zoo should phase out elephants as the institution doesn’t have plans to expand its elephant enclosure and the habitat can only house a couple of elephants due to its size.

El Paso Zoo - El Paso, Texas, USA
The El Paso Zoo should phase out elephants as the institution doesn’t have plans to expand its elephant enclosure and the habitat can only house a couple of elephants due to its size.

San Antonio Zoo - San Antonio, Texas, USA
The San Antonio Zoo should should phase out elephants as the institution doesn’t have the space to expand its elephant enclosure any more than it already has and the habitat can only house a couple of elephants due to its size.

Point Defiance Zoo - Tacoma, Washington, USA
The Point Defiance Zoo should phase out elephants as the institution has intentions to phase out their elephants in the near future and the habitat can only house a couple of elephants due to its size.

To reiterate, institutions committed to their elephant program should acquire elephants from institutions that are phasing out their elephants. By relocating the elephants to other institutions this will enable a broader social structure between elephants and allow specialized institutions to focus on either reproduction or the husbandry of older elephants.

 

[AmbikaFan]

Sorry, I haven't logged on in a while.

There are a number of ladies in zoos around the country who are violent with other elephants, not just humans, necessitating their living alone. Of course this is not the matriarchal herd we know is ideal for Asian elephants, but these violent females need homes. Buffalo's Jhoti and Surapa fall into this category; they have to live in unshared quarters wherever they could move anyway, and I'm certain that this is the reason Buffalo has not been held to the 3+ minimum rule that AZA has required for the last two years. Likewise, Buttonwood in MA with it's two females, one of whom has been injured repeatedly and seriously by the other. The Bronx Zoo's Maxine and Laverne have been responsible for the deaths of other Bronx elephants 15-20 years ago (I think Grumpy and Samuel II, but not sure), and Happy is kept separate for her own protection.

Of all these scenarios, the problem is elephants who don't get along with other elephants. With the Bronx, Buffalo, and Buttonwood Zoos, at least the ladies all have very good relationships with their keepers, meaning at least their lives aren't entirely solitary. In my view, Phoenix has taken on a real challenge by dedicating themselves to elephants who are violent with both other elephants and people, elephants who would likely not be welcome anywhere else. One of the easiest ways to spot elephant aggression is to look at tails. These zoos house elephants whose tails have been injured or bitten entirely off. In a few instances, there is ear-biting. These behavioral problems originated in many instances with circus abuse, and until all of the current circus ladies have "aged out" of the population, where to house elephants who must live individually, the problem of where they can live will be an issue. Yes, the matriarchal herd is the ultimate goal for every facility, but the sub-population of aggressive elephants presents a need that must be met. One can't simply assume that every individual in our population can be moved around the country and get along with others. Remember, aside from circus abuse, we also have a large number of elephants who were brought here before 1976 as young calves, for new exhibits, who had no one to "teach" them how to behave as elephants. Until all of the 40+ ladies are gone and every female has been raised in a matriarchal herd, we will have to care for these violent ladies. I maintain that Phoenix is providing a service to the elephant community and should continue to do so with our appreciation for as long as they are willing.

 

[AmbikaFan]

Regarding Samson as Oregon's new male: .it's very easy to look at things in the best of all possible world's, in ideal circumstances. In fact, there are not many proven sires of breeding age. In fact, ABQ was the only facility blessed with more than one bull of appropriate age aside from Denver.

Samson is undoubtedly from Tusko and Calvin, but the SSP has had to approve of breeding pairs that come from genes that are much more over-represented. Vance and Charlie are represented throughout the US, and Europe's Motek and Warda (and son Alexander) are represented in ALS, Columbus, ABQ, and with both Beco and European-born Billy in Denver. There is no ideal world. We have to use bulls that are represented.

Why do I prefer Samson over the other alternatives for Oregon? First, there is less of Tusko in Samson than there was in their late breeding male, Tusko himself. In addition, Nikolai sired nearly all--if not all, don't have time to check right now-- of his calves in Europe. ALS has three young males who would fit the bill, but all are Calvin sons, which is over-represented, especially in Europe.

Secondly, the only other possible males under consideration would be less than ideal. Yes, Denver's Groucho and OK's Rex would provide genetic diversity, but for how long? Both are in their upper 40s, and few males live as long as Packy, who died at 55. Rose-Tu is young, and Samson is young enough to breed with Rose, Chendra and daughter Lily well into the future. The only male who is not represented in any gene pool is LA's Billy--and I seriously doubt that he is fertile. He has produced no offspring, nor has the SSP recommended that a young female be sent to LA to make use of Billy and the incredible new exhibit. One has to consider that failed AI attempts using his sperm may have led the SSP to deem him infertile or at least unlikely to produce. Why not give it a try anyway? A proven stud will prevent loss of precious breeding time for Rose-Tu. The AZA doesn't recommend breeding if more than five years has transpired since a previous calf. Five years is approaching for Rose-Tu, and successive failed attempts would push her past the point of breeding again, a significant loss to the breeding population.

So no, Samson is not ideal. But given the absence of "ideal" (like, say, a new wildborn male from Europe), he fills the bill and fills it in a timely way.

 

[Echobeast]

Just some extra info for people, when I talked to one of Denver’s keepers, he mentioned that Groucho does not and will probably never get a breeding rec. His age and his usefulness as a dominant male in Denver’s bachelor herd program are reasons but his keeper also mentioned that his genetics are well represented. Also, Billy and Bodhi are unlikely to leave either for at least several years due to their age. If they went anywhere, they’d be housed by themselves until they mature.

 

[Elephant Enthusiast]

I maintain that Phoenix is providing a service to the elephant community and should continue to do so with our appreciation for as long as they are willing.

I fully agree. The Phoenix Zoo is offering the elephant population an institution where aggressive elephants can be accommodated. Further, the Phoenix Zoo should continue to offer a home for aggressive elephants until such a time. Long term, the Phoenix Zoo will have to make the decision on whether to continue or end their elephant program once the non matriarchal females have aged out. While the eventual renovations will offer more space for the current elephants, the renovations will not provide enough space for a matriarchal herd to grow. Ultimately, the Phoenix Zoo will either have to end their elephant program once the non matriarchal females have passed or vastly expand the elephant facility to provide ample space for a matriarchal herd. In the meantime, the Phoenix Zoo is providing a significant contribution to the elephant population.

Of course this is not the matriarchal herd we know is ideal for Asian elephants, but these violent females need homes.

I fully agree. The North American population consists of many non matriarchal females that require homes. However, there are many elephants who live at institutions that should end their elephant program and phase their elephants to other institutions. Understandably, there are a limited number of institutions that can accommodate a sizable herd of elephants. However, there are many institutions, such as the Buffalo Zoo and the Buttonwood Park Zoo, which don't offer the appropriate space for even two elephants. Why should elephants have to live in substandard conditions when there are much better living conditions at other institutions? A prime example would be the Los Angeles Zoo which provides their elephants with over six acres and four habitats to roam. Elephants who currently live at institutions that are substandard should be transferred to institutions which offer elephants enhanced social and spatial opportunities. By doing so, it will enable institutions who are ending their elephant program to phase their elephants to institutions who want to expand their herd of elephants. The transfer recommendations I have published do not account for compatibility but a majority of the elephants within the population are currently paired with incompatible herd mates. Ultimately, the transfer of non matriarchal females to other institutions will provide these elephants with improved living conditions and enhanced social structures.

I seriously doubt that [Billy] is fertile [as he's] produced no offspring, nor has the SSP recommended that a young female be sent to LA to make use of Billy and the incredible new exhibit.

Based on the following information from the Los Angeles Zoo, Billy is still reproductively viable:

Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens | Elephants at the L.A. Zoo
Billy doesn’t currently have a potential mating partner at the Zoo, as Tina and Jewel are past reproductive age. However, Billy’s genetics are very important to the population of Asian elephants currently in human care. In the event that a mate doesn’t join Billy at the L.A. Zoo, his sperm may be collected for the purposes of artificial insemination, which is a common husbandry technique used in a variety of domestic and exotic species. Billy was trained in this procedure through positive reinforcement and could choose not to participate at any time during a collection session.

Even though Billy has yet to produce any offspring, I believe he still has the potential to contribute to the reproduction of Asian elephants in North America. The Los Angeles Zoo has yet to receive a breeding female as there are no institutions that are willing to provide the LA Zoo with such a candidate. The Los Angeles Zoo needs to come to the realization that the only way Billy will reproduce is if he's transferred to an institution where he can breed naturally as it's the females that form the basis of a breeding herd not the males. Ultimately, the Los Angeles Zoo should transfer Billy to an institution that's participating in the reproduction of Asian elephants and acquire post reproductive females to expand their herd of elephants. Once a majority of the non matriarchal females have aged out, the Los Angeles Zoo should then consider acquiring a matriarchal herd.

The AZA doesn't recommend breeding if more than five years has transpired since a previous calf.

Huh, that's rather interesting. I can agree that an extended period of time between one calf to another can have a considerable effect on the fertility of a breeding female however there are a few instances where the five year recommendation didn't apply. At the Fort Worth Zoo, Rasha went nearly ten years between her premature calf and her daughter Belle. At the Saint Louis Zoo, Ellie went ten years between her daughter Rani and her daughter Maliha. At African Lion Safari, Lilly went eight years between her son Logan and her daughter Hannah. At the Dickerson Park Zoo, Moola went nearly seven years between her son Haji and her daughter Nisha. Essentially, a reproductive hiatus could have a substantial effect on the breeding potential of a female but the fertility of the female will dictate whether she is still reproductively viable.

[Groucho's] age and his usefulness as a dominant male in Denver’s bachelor herd program are reasons but his keeper also mentioned that his genetics are well represented.

While I can agree that Groucho serves as an influential dominant bachelor bull, I believe he would serve better as a breeding bull. Despite his age, Groucho still has the potential to contribute to the reproduction of Asian elephants in North America. Before the completion of Elephant Springs, Groucho should be transferred to the Fort Worth Zoo to breed with Rasha as the two of them have already produced offspring together and to continue growing Rasha’s matriarchal herd. The role of the dominant bachelor bull will be left vacant if Groucho is to be transferred for which I recommend Colonel at the Fort Worth Zoo to be the new dominant bachelor bull. At 27 years old, Colonel will be able to serve as a dominant bachelor bull for many years and his age is much closer to other younger bulls than that of Groucho.

Billy and Bodhi are unlikely to leave either for at least several years due to their age.

Huh, that’s rather interesting. Bodhi is 14 years old while Billy is 10 years old yet neither will be transferred to another institution to breed for at least some time. Based on the following source: Elephant Reproduction - Elephant Basics, female and male elephants should be able to reproduce by the age of 15. In the case of Billy, he still has some time before he’s reproductively capable but as for Bodhi, he should be transferred to another institution as he’s nearing the ideal breeding age.

Bodhi should be transferred to the Fort Worth Zoo to breed with Bluebonnet as Bodhi is genetically valuable through his father Coco and Bodhi has a full blood brother named Beco for which I recommend he breed to Bluebonnet’s full blood sister Belle. By breeding Bodhi to Bluebonnet and Beco to Belle that will simplify family relations and enable the Fort Worth Zoo to grow Rasha’s matriarchal herd. If Groucho, Bodhi, and Beco were transferred to the Fort Worth Zoo that would enable the following males to breed with their respective females and Groucho could serve as a breeding influence for Bodhi and Beco.

As for Billy, I recommend he remain at the Denver Zoo as he’s underage to begin breeding and he’s descended from the Motek and Chieng Mai lineage which is well represented in the European population and slightly represented in the North American population. I find it rather interesting that Europe would provide North America with a bull that’s descended from a represented lineage in both populations rather than a bull that’s descended from a lineage that is represented in one population.

I understand that Bodhi and Beco are descended from the Motek lineage but the full blood brothers should take breeding precedence over other bulls descended from the Motek lineage as Coco produced Bodhi and Beco as his only viable offspring which makes these bulls significantly important to the reproduction of Asian elephants in North America.

 

[Echobeast]

While I can agree that Groucho serves as an influential dominant bachelor bull, I believe he would serve better as a breeding bull. Despite his age, Groucho still has the potential to contribute to the reproduction of Asian elephants in North America. Before the completion of Elephant Springs, Groucho should be transferred to the Fort Worth Zoo to breed with Rasha as the two of them have already produced offspring together and to continue growing Rasha’s matriarchal herd. The role of the dominant bachelor bull will be left vacant if Groucho is to be transferred for which I recommend Colonel at the Fort Worth Zoo to be the new dominant bachelor bull. At 27 years old, Colonel will be able to serve as a dominant bachelor bull for many years and his age is much closer to other younger bulls than that of Groucho.

I understand that this is what you would recommend but I’m just stating what I know and what the keepers are saying.

Again, the three main reasons Groucho will not move are; his age, his role in Denver’s program, and his genetics are already well represented. I was hoping you could use the information to revise your recommendations as I assumed you were using any relevant info to make the most accurate prediction. Your recommendation makes sense, it’s just not accurate to reality.

Huh, that’s rather interesting. Bodhi is 14 years old while Billy is 10 years old yet neither will be transferred to another institution to breed for at least some time. Based on the following source: Elephant Reproduction - Elephant Basics, female and male elephants should be able to reproduce by the age of 15. In the case of Billy, he still has some time before he’s reproductively capable but as for Bodhi, he should be transferred to another institution as he’s nearing the ideal breeding age.

Bodhi should be transferred to the Fort Worth Zoo to breed with Bluebonnet as Bodhi is genetically valuable through his father Coco and Bodhi has a full blood brother named Beco for which I recommend he breed to Bluebonnet’s full blood sister Belle. By breeding Bodhi to Bluebonnet and Beco to Belle that will simplify family relations and enable the Fort Worth Zoo to grow Rasha’s matriarchal herd. If Groucho, Bodhi, and Beco were transferred to the Fort Worth Zoo that would enable the following males to breed with their respective females and Groucho could serve as a breeding influence for Bodhi and Beco.

As for Billy, I recommend he remain at the Denver Zoo as he’s underage to begin breeding and he’s descended from the Motek and Chieng Mai lineage which is well represented in the European population and slightly represented in the North American population. I find it rather interesting that Europe would provide North America with a bull that’s descended from a represented lineage in both populations rather than a bull that’s descended from a lineage that is represented in one population.

Just because an elephant should be able to breed by 15, does not mean it’s always going to happen. Again, I’m just stating the information I know to be the plan for these elephants as I found it relevant to the thread.

 

[Elephant Enthusiast]

I understand that this is what you would recommend but I’m just stating what I know and what the keepers are saying.

I very much appreciate this information being published to this thread as this enables myself as well as others to know what's happening within the population from those who are able to obtain this information. Thank you.

I can't lie, I'm quite audacious with my recommendations but I'm that way because I'm worried that if breeding doesn't improve soon, the population of Asian elephants in North America may age out. Even though my recommendations may never come to fruition, I still hopeful that changes will occur to enhance the reproduction of Asian elephants in North America.

Just because an elephant should be able to breed by 15, does not mean it’s always going to happen.

That's very true. The primary reason I recommend the breeding of an elephant at the age of 15 is because in the case of a female, she has until the age of 25 to breed or otherwise she may be unable to successfully carry a pregnancy. By breeding an elephant at the appropriate breeding age, that ensures the reproductive viability of an elephant.

 

[Yassa]

Groucho has 2 surviving daughters and 1 grandson. It is ridiculous and false to say that his genetics are well-represented. But it explains why the elephant SSPs are failing if bulls like Groucho and Billy are kept away from breeding groups.

By the way, the recommendation that all zoos with mother-daughter-pairs keep multiple adult bulls to avoid pairing mother and daughter with the same male is so impractical that it is ridiculous. For example Fort Worth doesn't even have the facilities to adequately house even one big bull. Get real!!!

 

[Jaxton]

Groucho has 2 surviving daughters and 1 grandson. It is ridiculous and false to say that his genetics are well-represented. But it explains why the elephant SSPs are failing if bulls like Groucho and Billy are kept away from breeding groups.

By the way, the recommendation that all zoos with mother-daughter-pairs keep multiple adult bulls to avoid pairing mother and daughter with the same male is so impractical that it is ridiculous. For example Fort Worth doesn't even have the facilities to adequately house even one big bull. Get real!!!

Groucho can always be used for AI!