North American African Elephant Population

[Elephantelephant]

Elephant at Sedgwick County Zoo begins treatment for potentially deadly virus
Zuberi from Sedgwick County Zoo was tested positive for EEHV. The zoo started treatment in time, so he believes he will recover. It is really unusual for this to occur in an African elephant. Recently, EEHV has begun to spread to African elephants in the United States. Therefore, it is no longer the case that they are not endangered by the virus. I firmly believe that he will recover. Since she is already an adult, she should have the strength to fight the disease.

I don't know if Zuberi is really in the photo, but the cow in the photo is somehow surprisingly wide. That she would be pregnant? Young African elephants are usually quite slender.

 

[Yi Qi]

Iringa at PAWS has died. She was 46.

'Rest easy, gentle giant': Beloved former Toronto Zoo elephant dies in California sanctuary | National Post

 

[Elephantelephant]

Iringa at PAWS has died. She was 46.

'Rest easy, gentle giant': Beloved former Toronto Zoo elephant dies in California sanctuary | National Post

But she died five years ago, it's old news.

 

[IndianRhino]

What facilities actually breed African Elephants, I know a lot hold them but I'm not sure which zoos are actually breeding them.

 

[Jaxton]

What facilities actually breed African Elephants, I know a lot hold them but I'm not sure which zoos are actually breeding them.

The only zoos who have successfully bred them in the past five years are the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Louisville Zoo, Reid Park Zoo, International Conservation Center, Disney's Animal Kingdom, and Dallas Zoo(the mother arrived pregnant from Africa). In addition to those, the Omaha Zoo, Sedgwick County Zoo, Fresno Chaffee Zoo, NC Zoo, Maryland Zoo, and Tampa Zoo are all attempting to. A few other zoos may be trying artificial insemination, but that information is most often not released to the public.

 

[gerenuk]

Africam Safari announced a new elephant birth today.

 

[Jaxton]

Africam Safari announced a new elephant birth today.

The calf is male and was born on August 1. The article mentions he has a brother born in 2017, so the mother is either Independiente or Lider.

Africam Safari retoma actividades con nuevos integrantes

 

[gerenuk]

This makes the 5th calf born at Africam Safari with more to come:

"Fran Carlos Camacho recapitulated that to date five elephant calves have been born from the herd that came from Africa, that there are more pregnant females at the moment and that one of them could give birth today."

Crece la manada: Africam Safari tiene a un nuevo bebé elefante

 

[Elephantelephant]

Oldest African elephant in North America dies at Memphis Zoo at 56
The oldest African elephant in North America, Tyranza, died at the Memphis Zoo at the age of 56. Her health has been deteriorating sharply recently. RIP dear Ty.

 

[Elephantelephant]

Cameron Park Zoo mourns loss of Tanya, one of the zoo's African elephants
Unfortunately, Tanya, a 41-year-old cow from Cameron Park Zoo, died suddenly. The cause is not yet completely clear, but it is probably a disease and infection which affected the circulatory system. RIP dear Tanya.

 

[MidwestFan]

Sadly, another elephant has died at Indianapolis Zoo, this time the matriarch of the herd, Sophi.

52-year-old African elephant Sophi dies at Indianapolis Zoo | Fox 59

 

[Elephantelephant]

Sadly, another elephant has died at Indianapolis Zoo, this time the matriarch of the herd, Sophi.

52-year-old African elephant Sophi dies at Indianapolis Zoo | Fox 59

This is very sad news. Two very old cows have left us this year.(Tyranza and Sophi) RIP dear Sophi

 

[Elephantelephant]

Wildlife Safari mourns loss of George the Elephant
Elephant bull George from Wildlife safari in Winston died of a heart attack at the age of 39. Surprisingly, the safaripark stated that he died of old age, while he was not one of the old elephants.

 

[Elephant Enthusiast]

Another year has come and gone so it’s time once again to post an annual overview of the occurrences that happened in the North American population of African elephants to the thread.

To public knowledge, there were four deaths and one birth in 2020. The overview also includes seven deaths and one transfer, which happened prior to 2020. Last year, the population had its ups with the birth of a female calf and downs with the death of Tyranza, the oldest African elephant in North America.

Spoiler: 2020 Overview

Spoiler: Births

0.1 Litsemba gave birth to a female calf named Mapenzi on April 6, 2020, at the Reid Park Zoo. 1.0 Mabhulane (Reid Park Zoo) is the sire.

Reid Park Zoo Welcomes New Elephant Calf to the Herd | Reid Park Zoo
Community Chooses “Mapenzi” for Elephant Calf’s Name | Reid Park Zoo

Spoiler: Deaths

56-year-old 0.1 Tyranza passed away on September 4, 2020, at the Memphis Zoo.

Memphis Zoo Mourns the loss of African Elephant

41-year-old 0.1 Tanya passed away on September 29, 2020, at the Cameron Park Zoo.

Cameron Park Zoo staff mourn the sudden and unexpected loss of Tanya, one of the zoo's African elephants - Cameron Park Zoo | Facebook

52-year-old 0.1 Sophi passed away on October 8, 2020, at the Indianapolis Zoo.

Our Zoo family is grieving today as we say goodbye to a much-loved friend, Sophi, our 52-year-old African elephant matriarch - Indianapolis Zoo | Facebook

39-year-old 1.0 George passed away on November 16, 2020, at Wildlife Safari.

Wildlife Safari mourns the loss of George the elephant | Local News | nrtoday.com

Spoiler: Older Occurrences

52-year-old 0.1 Paula passed away on January __, 2019, at the Monterey Zoo.

FINAL-NECROPSY-REPORT-T1900043-Paula-Redacted.pdf

40-year-old 0.1 Rafiki passed away on March __, 2019, at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium 2020 News [Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium] - Page 3 - ZooChat

48-year-old 0.1 Kristy passed away on October __, 2019, at the Monterey Zoo.

FINAL-NECROPSY-REPORT-T1902155-Kristy-Redacted.pdf

0.1 Makia and 0.1 Lovey passed away on December __, 2018 and January __, 2019, at Myakka Elephant Ranch.

Makia the African elephant has passed away - Elephant Guardians of Los Angeles | Facebook
Lovey the African elephant has passed away - Elephant Guardians of Los Angeles | Facebook

0.1 Susie and 0.1 Baba were transferred from Acton, California to White City, Oregon when Serengeti Ranch relocated their facility.

Serengeti Ranch, LLC | Bizapedia
USDA APHIS Inspection Reports for Facilities in Oregon (Pg. 154-159)

0.1 Jenny of Gary Landry in Franklin, Louisiana and 0.1 Reba of Double M Ranch in Hastings, New York passed away prior to 2015.

In addition, it’s time once again to post an updated census of the current population to the thread. To my knowledge, there are 179 (37.142.0) African elephants in North America as of January 1, 2021. Of the 179 elephants in North America, 5 (2.3.0) reside at 2 institutions in Canada and 174 (35.139.0) reside at 45 institutions in the United States. However, these numbers are not accurate as 3 (0.3.0) elephants have an uncertain status. The elephants with an uncertain status are italicized in the current population. Any information that could validate the status of these elephants is greatly appreciated.

Spoiler: Population

Canada

Granby Zoo - Granby, Quebec, Canada
1.0 Tutume (Tembo × Sabah) 1999.04.09
0.1 Sarah (WILD × WILD) 1983.00.00
0.1 Thandi (WILD × WILD) 1991.00.00
Total: 1.2.0 (3)

Parc Safari - Hemmingford, Quebec, Canada
1.0 Jeannot (WILD × WILD) 1983.00.00
0.1 Carole (WILD × WILD) 1983.00.00
Total: 1.1.0 (2)

United States

Birmingham Zoo - Birmingham, Alabama, United States
1.0 Bulwagi (Peter × Mama) 1981.03.03
1.0 Ingadze (Mabhulane × Umngani) 2009.03.13
1.0 Lutsandvo (Mabhulane × Ndulamitsi) 2010.02.14
Total: 3.0.0 (3)

Montgomery Zoo - Montgomery, Alabama, United States
0.1 Star (WILD × WILD) 1982.00.00
0.1 Tina (WILD × WILD) 1984.00.00
0.1 Makena (Sdudla × Tina) 2007.11.09
Total: 0.3.0 (3)

Reid Park Zoo - Tucson, Arizona, United States
1.0 Mabhulane (WILD × WILD) 1990.00.00
1.0 Tsandzikle (Mabhulane × Litsemba) 2010.12.27
0.1 Litsemba (WILD × WILD) 1990.00.00
0.1 Lungile (WILD × WILD) 1991.00.00
0.1 Nandi (Mabhulane × Litsemba) 2014.08.20
0.1 Mapenzi (Mabhulane × Litsemba) 2020.04.06
Total: 2.4.0 (6)

San Diego Zoo Safari Park - Escondido, California, United States
1.0 Inhlonipho (Mabhulane × Umngani) 2011.09.26
1.0 Umzula Zuli (Mabhulane × Ndulamitsi) 2018.08.12
0.1 Ndulamitsi (WILD × WILD) 1990.00.00
0.1 Umngani (WILD × WILD) 1990.00.00
0.1 Swazi (WILD × WILD) 1990.00.00
0.1 Khosi (Mabhulane × Umngani) 2006.09.11
0.1 Phakamile (Mabhulane × Umoya) 2007.09.19
0.1 Qinisa (Mabhulane × Swazi) 2012.08.28
0.1 Mkhaya (Mabhulane × Umngani) 2018.09.26
Total: 2.7.0 (9)

Fresno Chaffee Zoo - Fresno, California, United States
1.0 Vus’musi (WILD × Ndulamitsi) 2004.02.23
0.1 Nolwazi (WILD × WILD) 1994.00.00
0.1 Amahle (WILD × Nolwazi) 2009.00.00
Total: 1.2.0 (3)

Oakland Zoo - Oakland, California, United States
1.0 Osh (Yossi × Sara) 1994.05.24
0.1 Lisa (WILD × WILD) 1977.00.00
0.1 Donna (WILD × WILD) 1980.00.00
Total: 1.2.0 (3)

Monterey Zoo - Salinas, California, United States
1.0 Butch (WILD × WILD) 1981.00.00
0.1 Buffy (WILD × WILD) 1982.00.00
Total: 1.1.0 (2)

Performing Animal Welfare Society - San Andreas, California, United States
0.1 Lulu (WILD × WILD) 1966.00.00
0.1 Toka (WILD × WILD) 1970.00.00
0.1 Thika (Tantor × Tequila) 1980.10.18
0.1 Maggie (WILD × WILD) 1980.00.00
0.1 Mara (WILD × WILD) 1980.00.00
Total: 0.5.0 (5)

San Diego Zoo - San Diego, California, United States
0.1 Shaba (WILD × WILD) 1980.00.00
Total: 0.1.0 (1)

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo - Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States
0.1 Missy (WILD × WILD) 1969.00.00
0.1 Kimba (WILD × WILD) 1977.00.00
0.1 Lucky (WILD × WILD) 1979.00.00
0.1 LouLou (WILD × WILD) 1982.00.00
0.1 Jambo (WILD × WILD) 1983.00.00
0.1 Malaika (WILD × WILD) 1985.00.00
Total: 0.6.0 (6)

Disney's Animal Kingdom - Bay Lake, Florida, United States
1.0 Maclean (WILD × WILD) 1982.00.00
1.0 Tsavo (Jackson × Moyo) 2008.06.28
1.0 Jabali (Ali × Vasha) 2011.08.24
0.1 Donna (WILD × WILD) 1984.00.00
0.1 Vasha (WILD × WILD) 1985.00.00
0.1 Kianga (Jackson × Vasha) 2004.07.06
0.1 Nadirah (Jackson × Donna) 2005.12.19
0.1 Luna (Maclean × Donna) 2010.05.20
0.1 Stella (Maclean × Donna) 2016.12.14
Total: 3.6.0 (9)

Franzen Brothers Circus - Bushnell, Florida, United States
0.1 Kosti (WILD × WILD) 1982.00.00
0.1 Megu (WILD × WILD) 1982.00.00
Total: 0.2.0 (2)

Jacksonville Zoo - Jacksonville, Florida, United States
1.0 Ali (WILD × WILD) 1991.00.00
0.1 Thandi (WILD × WILD) 1980.00.00
0.1 Sheena (WILD × WILD) 1983.00.00
Total: 1.2.0 (3)

Miami Zoo - Miami, Florida, United States
0.1 Peggy (WILD × WILD) 1976.00.00
0.1 Mabel (WILD × WILD) 1976.00.00
Total: 0.2.0 (2)

Myakka Elephant Ranch - Myakka City, Florida, United States
0.1 Lou (WILD × WILD) 1985.00.00
Total: 0.1.0 (1)

Tampa Zoo - Tampa, Florida, United States
1.0 Sdudla (WILD × WILD) 1990.00.00
0.1 Ellie (WILD × WILD) 1982.00.00
0.1 Matjeka (WILD × WILD) 1991.00.00
0.1 Mbali (WILD × WILD) 1992.00.00
0.1 Mpumi (Sdudla × Mbali) 2012.12.23
0.1 Mavi (Sdudla × Matjeka) 2013.07.29
Total: 1.5.0 (6)

Atlanta Zoo - Atlanta, Georgia, United States
1.0 Msholo (WILD × WILD) 1989.00.00
0.1 Tara (WILD × WILD) 1982.00.00
0.1 Kelly (WILD × WILD) 1983.00.00
Total: 1.2.0 (3)

Indianapolis Zoo - Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
1.0 Kedar (Bulwagi × Kubwa) 2005.10.18
0.1 Kubwa (WILD × WILD) 1976.00.00
0.1 Tombi (WILD × WILD) 1976.00.00
0.1 Ivory (WILD × WILD) 1982.00.00
0.1 Zahara (Ali × Ivory) 2006.08.31
Total: 1.4.0 (5)

Topeka Zoo - Topeka, Kansas, United States
0.1 Tembo (WILD × WILD) 1971.00.00
Total: 0.1.0 (1)

Sedgwick County Zoo - Wichita, Kansas, United States
1.0 Ajani (Maclean × Ivory) 2000.08.04
1.0 Titan (WILD × Simunye) 2009.00.00
0.1 Stephanie (WILD × WILD) 1971.00.00
0.1 Simunye (WILD × WILD) 1997.00.00
0.1 Zuberi (WILD × WILD) 2008.00.00
0.1 Arusi (WILD × WILD) 2009.00.00
0.1 Xolani (WILD × WILD) 2009.00.00
0.1 Talia (WILD × WILD) 2010.00.00
Total: 2.6.0 (8)

Louisville Zoo - Louisville, Kentucky, United States
1.0 Fitz (Jackson × Mikki) 2019.08.02
0.1 Mikki (WILD × WILD) 1985.00.00
Total: 1.1.0 (2)

Maryland Zoo - Baltimore, Maryland, United States
1.0 Tuffy (WILD × WILD) 1983.00.00
1.0 Samson (Willie × Felix) 2008.03.19
0.1 Anna (WILD × WILD) 1975.00.00
0.1 Felix (WILD × WILD) 1983.00.00
Total: 2.2.0 (4)

Kansas City Zoo - Kansas City, Missouri, United States
1.0 Tamani (Bulwagi × Ellie) 2005.10.17
0.1 Lady (WILD × WILD) 1968.00.00
0.1 Lea (WILD × WILD) 1978.00.00
0.1 Lois (WILD × WILD) 1978.00.00
0.1 Megan (WILD × WILD) 1978.00.00
0.1 Tattoo (WILD × WILD) 1978.00.00
0.1 Zoe (WILD × WILD) 1984.00.00
Total: 1.6.0 (7)

Henry Doorly Zoo - Omaha, Nebraska, United States
1.0 Callee (Jackson × Savannah) 2000.09.22
1.0 Louie (Bulwagi × Renee) 2003.04.30
0.1 Jayei (WILD × WILD) 1992.00.00
0.1 Kiki (WILD × WILD) 2004.00.00
0.1 Claire (WILD × WILD) 2008.00.00
0.1 Lolly (WILD × WILD) 2010.00.00
0.1 Omma (WILD × Jayei) 2011.00.00
Total: 2.5.0 (7)

Six Flags Great Adventure - Jackson, New Jersey, United States
0.1 Tanya (WILD × WILD) 1969.00.00
0.1 Barbara (WILD × WILD) 1971.00.00
0.1 Debbie (WILD × WILD) 1971.00.00
0.1 Lucy (WILD × WILD) 1971.00.00
0.1 Sheila (WILD × WILD) 1972.00.00
0.1 Joyce (WILD × WILD) 1983.00.00
Total: 0.6.0 (6)

Seneca Park Zoo - Rochester, New York, United States
0.1 Genny C (WILD × WILD) 1977.00.00
0.1 Lilac (WILD × WILD) 1978.00.00
0.1 Mokala (WILD × WILD) 1982.00.00
Total: 0.3.0 (3)

North Carolina Zoo - Asheboro, North Carolina, United States
1.0 C'sar (WILD × WILD) 1974.00.00
1.0 Artie (WILD × WILD) 1983.00.00
0.1 Tonga (WILD × WILD) 1978.00.00
0.1 Rafiki (WILD × WILD) 1981.00.00
0.1 Nekhanda (WILD × WILD) 1988.00.00
0.1 Batir (Willie × Tonga) 2002.01.21
Total: 2.4.0 (6)

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo - Cleveland, Ohio, United States
1.0 Willy (WILD × WILD) 1978.00.00
0.1 Moshi (WILD × WILD) 1976.00.00
0.1 Martika (WILD × WILD) 1981.00.00
0.1 Kallie (WILD × WILD) 1982.00.00
0.1 Shenga (WILD × WILD) 1982.00.00
Total: 1.4.0 (5)

Toledo Zoo - Toledo, Ohio, United States
1.0 Lucas (Jackson × Renee) 2011.06.03
0.1 Renee (WILD × WILD) 1979.00.00
0.1 Twiggy (WILD × WILD) 1985.00.00
Total: 1.2.0 (3)

Serengeti Ranch - White City, Oregon, United States
0.1 Susie (WILD × WILD) 1986.00.00
0.1 Baba (WILD × WILD) 1991.00.00
Total: 0.2.0 (2)

Wildlife Safari - Winston, Oregon, United States
0.1 Tava (WILD × WILD) 1978.00.00
0.1 Moja (Chico × Wankie) 1982.05.24
0.1 Valerie (WILD × WILD) 1982.00.00
Total: 0.3.0 (3)

International Conservation Center - Fairhope, Pennsylvania, United States
1.0 Jackson (WILD × WILD) 1976.00.00
0.1 Bette (WILD × WILD) 1982.00.00
0.1 Seeni (WILD × WILD) 1993.00.00
0.1 Sukiri (WILD × WILD) 1993.00.00
Total: 1.3.0 (4)

Pittsburgh Zoo - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
0.1 Tasha (WILD × WILD) 1976.00.00
0.1 Savannah (WILD × WILD) 1983.00.00
0.1 Victoria (Jackson × Moja) 1999.09.12
0.1 Angelina (Jackson × Savannah) 2008.07.09
0.1 Zuri (Jackson × Moja) 2008.07.25
Total: 0.5.0 (5)

Roger Williams Park Zoo - Providence, Rhode Island, United States
0.1 Alice (WILD × WILD) 1985.00.00
0.1 Ginny (WILD × WILD) 1985.00.00
0.1 Kate (WILD × WILD) 1985.00.00
Total: 0.3.0 (3)

Myrtle Beach Safari - Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, United States
0.1 Bubbles (WILD × WILD) 1983.00.00
Total: 0.1.0 (1)

Elephant Sanctuary - Hohenwald, Tennessee, United States
0.1 Tange (WILD × WILD) 1973.00.00
0.1 Flora (WILD × WILD) 1982.00.00
0.1 Nosey (WILD × WILD) 1982.00.00
0.1 Sukari (WILD × WILD) 1984.00.00
Total: 0.4.0 (4)

Knoxville Zoo - Knoxville, Tennessee, United States
1.0 Tonka (WILD × WILD) 1979.00.00
0.1 Jana (WILD × WILD) 1980.00.00
0.1 Edie (WILD × WILD) 1983.00.00
Total: 1.2.0 (3)

Memphis Zoo - Memphis, Tennessee, United States
0.1 Bambi (WILD × WILD) 1975.00.00
0.1 Daisy (WILD × WILD) 1975.00.00
0.1 Gina (WILD × WILD) 1983.00.00
0.1 Asali (Macho × Juju) 1985.08.29
Total: 0.4.0 (4)

Trunks & Humps - Conroe, Texas, United States
0.1 Page (WILD × WILD) 1974.00.00
0.1 Krissy (WILD × WILD) 1984.00.00
0.1 Jean (WILD × WILD) 1985.00.00
Total: 0.3.0 (3)

Dallas Zoo - Dallas, Texas, United States
1.0 Tendaji (WILD × WILD) 2003.00.00
1.0 Ajabu (WILD × Mlilo) 2016.05.14
0.1 Jenny (WILD × WILD) 1976.00.00
0.1 Congo (WILD × WILD) 1978.00.00
0.1 Kamba (WILD × WILD) 1980.00.00
0.1 Gypsy (WILD × WILD) 1982.00.00
0.1 Mlilo (WILD × WILD) 2003.00.00
0.1 Zola (WILD × WILD) 2003.00.00
Total: 2.6.0 (8)

Caldwell Zoo - Tyler, Texas, United States
1.0 Macembe (Mabhulane × Swazi) 2010.04.12
1.0 Emanti (Mabhulane × Umoya) 2010.05.12
0.1 Tonya (WILD × WILD) 1977.00.00
Total: 2.1.0 (3)

Cameron Park Zoo - Waco, Texas, United States
0.1 Tembo (WILD × WILD) 1977.00.00
Total: 0.1.0 (1)

Hogle Zoo - Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
0.1 Christie (WILD × WILD) 1986.00.00
0.1 Zuri (Jackson × Christie) 2009.08.10
Total: 0.2.0 (2)

Natural Bridge Zoo - Natural Bridge, Virginia, United States
0.1 Asha (WILD × WILD) 1982.00.00
Total: 0.1.0 (1)

Milwaukee County Zoo - Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
0.1 Ruth (Rip × Tanya) 1981.11.02
0.1 Belle (WILD × WILD) 1981.00.00
0.1 Brittany (WILD × WILD) 1981.00.00
Total: 0.3.0 (3)

To more regularly update the thread with the current population, the following document: North American African Elephant Population, will be posted every three months (January, April, July, and October).

 

[Jaxton]

I would just like to note that today marks the five-year anniversary since the Swaziland Elephants touched down in America. Five years and we, unfortunately, are yet to see any calves (excluding Ajabu). I am hopeful that these cows will give birth this year, all of them will have been with a bull for 3 years this summer. Here's to a more successful year for these elephants than in the past years.

 

[Hyak_II]

God management of the NA African population sucks.

If the Asian population is a rough situation, the African population is a raging dumpster fire in comparison.

 

[PSO]

@Hyak_II agreed,I only know of one pregnant African currently due this year

 

[John Marchwick]

@Hyak_II agreed,I only know of one pregnant African currently due this year

who?

 

[PSO]

ICC

 

[Hyak_II]

Hopefully things go better with this one than the last.

Actually on that note, its rant time, lol.

Pittsburgh used to have an excellent program, they were producing calves regularly and were on the top of their game, so to speak. However in the past 10+ years, they've really faltered. They sent out proven breeding cow Moja to a non-breeding facility (which has also broken a matriline) which is bad enough, yet they still retain three young cows at the zoo who are all desperately due for their first calves (especially 23 year old Victoria), plus proven wild caught cow Savannah who should still have a good 10+ years of reproductive life left in her too. Yet what do they do? Maintain all the girls at the zoo with no bull, and just let all that potential just go to waste. Then at the ICC, they have Jackson there with the Botswana cows plus the other old cow, and the only one that breeds rejects her calves. It makes absolutely no sense!! Like seriously, what the hell are they doing???

Now I don't know the finer details, of course, but why wouldn't they do the following that makes so much more sense:

• Send Savannah and her daughter Angelina to the ICC, while they retain Seeni and Sukiri
• Retain Moja with her daughters Victoria and Zuri at the zoo
• Send Jackson out to another facility that needs a bull, ideally in exchange for another proven male
• Bring in two new bulls. One for the ICC and one for the zoo.

With that, they could easily expand both matrilines, have good breeding at both facilities, and Seeni could at least have a chance to observe proper mothering behavior from Savannah.