North American Asian Elephant Population 2023

[IndianRhino]

San Diego no longer has Asian elephants. 59 year old Mary was euthanized recently

San Diego Zoo on Instagram: "The San Diego Zoo family is heartbroken to share the passing of Mary, a geriatric Asian elephant. Mary had been under veterinary care, including hydrotherapy and physical therapy to alleviate age-related joint ailments for some time. Unfortunately, despite these therapies, Mary’s mobility had declined, affecting her daily activity. After monitoring her closely and evaluating her quality of life, Mary’s health and care specialists made the difficult decision to compassionately euthanize her. Mary arrived at the Zoo in the spring of 2009 from the Safari Park, where she had lived since 1980. At 59 years of age Mary has exceeded the average life expectancy of a female Asian elephant, which is 47 years old. During her time at the Zoo, she resided at the Elephant Odyssey habitat, featuring the Elephant Care Center, specially equipped to attend to the needs of elderly elephants. She was described by wildlife care specialists as having a uniquely dominant personality but also a peaceful presence that was a comfort to other elephants. As an ambassador for her species, Mary helped educate guests on the difference between Asian and African elephants, the threats they face, and how we adapt our care for aging animals. Mary's physical therapy and palliative care also made her a relatable presence for humans experiencing similar ailments. After Mary had passed, Shaba, who lived with Mary, had the opportunity to see her and make her goodbyes. Shaba will have her choice to socialize with neighboring elephants Nipho and Sundzu. Mary’s gentle presence will be greatly missed. Please take a moment to offer your condolences to all who are feeling this loss. We thank you for your support during this difficult time."

https://www.instagram.com/p/CrwdcDJPX7e/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

 

[Nile Hippo Expert]

San Diego no longer has Asian elephants. 59 year old Mary was euthanized recently

No! San Diego has had Asian Elephants for ninety-nine years and eleven months uninterrupted and now that streak is sadly over!

 

[tigris115]

Well 59 isn't anything to sneeze at. Besides, if it's any consolation, I don't think SDZ will phase out elephants as their current exhibit seems good enough for a bachelor herd

 

[Beastking04]

Well 59 isn't anything to sneeze at. Besides, if it's any consolation, I don't think SDZ will phase out elephants as their current exhibit seems good enough for a bachelor herd

They'll definitely keep African Elephants, but what does the future hold for Asian Elephants in San Diego? Where could they even get more?

 

[Jambo]

They'll definitely keep African Elephants, but what does the future hold for Asian Elephants in San Diego? Where could they even get more?

San Diego most likely does not have a future with Asian Elephants. It appears that they'll be pursuing a future with Africans only (bachelor males, so to speak).

 

[tigris115]

Yeah I think EO is done with being a retirement facility and has moved on to being a bachelor facility

 

[Great Argus]

San Diego most likely does not have a future with Asian Elephants. It appears that they'll be pursuing a future with Africans only (bachelor males, so to speak).

I would agree we'll probably see EO turn into bachelor holding. It makes sense with the Safari Park housing the breeding herd and gives them a bit more flexibility.

 

[ZCChip]

Per the Columbus Zoo thread Sabu is with the cows. So hopefully we will have calves soon! Get down to business, please!

 

[Mr.Ivory]

Although not official possibly one of the cows at the Oklahoma City Zoo is possibly pregnant, if the female is indeed pregnant the cow is most likely Asha

"Animal Care – Dwight Lawson presented animal information. Completion for Africa in July. Animals will begin moving into their new habitats soon, Kiazi has been spending more time outside, and our two younger male elephant’s introductions have been going well. Babies: red panda, giraffe, clouded leopard, and possibly an elephant and a painted dog are pregnant. The bird team had two flamingo chicks’ hatch."

https://okc.primegov.com/public/portal

 

[nczoofan]

Although not official possibly one of the cows at the Oklahoma City Zoo is possibly pregnant, if the female is indeed pregnant the cow is most likely Asha

"Animal Care – Dwight Lawson presented animal information. Completion for Africa in July. Animals will begin moving into their new habitats soon, Kiazi has been spending more time outside, and our two younger male elephant’s introductions have been going well. Babies: red panda, giraffe, clouded leopard, and possibly an elephant and a painted dog are pregnant. The bird team had two flamingo chicks’ hatch."

https://okc.primegov.com/public/portal

I visited a few weeks after Bowie was introduced to the herd and he was taking a liking for Achara according to the people I spoke with. She is the most likely one in my opinion as they had bred several times. Its too soon though to confirm a pregnancy.

 

[Hyak_II]

Eh, honestly I would say the chances of either Asha or Achara being pregnant are about equal (hopefully both are!)

It’ll be very interesting to see who it eventually ends up being, if one is indeed pregnant.

 

[IndianRhino]

Not unexpected but exciting news nonetheless! Wouldn’t be surprised if we get an announcement from OKC for World Elephant Day next month.

In other exciting news, Cincinnati's permit to import the Dublin elephants (Yasmin, Anak, Kabir, and Sanjay) has been posted. It appears they are also importing samples from each of the elephants for EEHV testing and such. Shouldn't be too long before the elephants are at Cincy!!!

Regulations.gov

 

[Nile Hippo Expert]

In other exciting news, Cincinnati's permit to import the Dublin elephants (Yasmin, Anak, Kabir, and Sanjay) has been posted. Shouldn't be too long before the elephants are at Cincy!!!

Regulations.gov

If that’s the case for the Dublin quartet, then Sabu will likely also soon return to Cincinnati from Columbus. Fingers crossed that he has successfully mated one or more of the Columbus cows.

 

[Nisha]

Not unexpected but exciting news nonetheless! Wouldn’t be surprised if we get an announcement from OKC for World Elephant Day next month.

In other exciting news, Cincinnati's permit to import the Dublin elephants (Yasmin, Anak, Kabir, and Sanjay) has been posted. It appears they are also importing samples from each of the elephants for EEHV testing and such. Shouldn't be too long before the elephants are at Cincy!!!

Regulations.gov

Current plan is for the move to happen before the end of this year, unless their are any delays. Crate training has been ongoing for the past 12 months and is progressing well

 

[John Marchwick]

L.A. City Council backs controversial L.A. Zoo renovation plan

As part of the first phase of the Los Angeles Zoo expansion/renovation, the most recent proposal includes an expanded elephant exhibition.

 

[tigris115]

L.A. City Council backs controversial L.A. Zoo renovation plan

As part of the first phase of the Los Angeles Zoo expansion/renovation, the most recent proposal includes an expanded elephant exhibition.

Odd. Isn't their current exhibit quite large?

 

[Nile Hippo Expert]

Odd. Isn't their current exhibit quite large?

The current LA zoo elephant exhibit is 3.6 acres, but the new, planned exhibit, will be 16 acres, or 444% the size of the current one.

 

[John Marchwick]

The current LA zoo elephant exhibit is 3.6 acres, but the new, planned exhibit, will be 16 acres, or 444% the size of the current one.

where did you hear this from? Just curious but is their a source.

 

[Nile Hippo Expert]

where did you hear this from? Just curious but is their a source.

It was clearly stated in your article.

 

[John Marchwick]

It was clearly stated in your article.

the only thing I saw regarding 16 acres was this

“Gerry Hans, president of Friends of Griffith Park, said he’s glad to see earlier elements were nixed. But he still isn’t satisfied with the zoo’s proposal, which includes the development of 16 acres of hillside.”