North American Asian Elephant Population 2025

[Zoofan15]

I just hope the vaccine can cover the broad range of EEHV. It seemed to me there is more than one strain, just like COVID with at least two or three because viruses have a way of evolving.

The vaccine is currently targeted towards EEHV1A, which is the most lethal strain in Asian elephants. You’re correct that there are multiple strains.

For the handful of elephants that have survived EEHV, it’s believed they henceforth have some level of immunity towards that strain.

 

[The Horse Boy]

And hopefully the phase outs will include a plan for older cows and a future plan to house bachelor herds.

And matriline splits. You seem to be just as passionate about future bachelor herds as me. I like ur enthusiasm

 

[ZCChip]

A question I have to add to this - how are they able to maintain adult males (of which at least one is proven) with the family group without Kairavi falling pregnant? I would assume she is cycling by now, but she is not quite the minimum age to be bred in the AZA/SSP's eyes. Are they just kind of taking an indifferent attitude towards it?

as someone explained. They take blood tests weekly and plan appropriately. They have to monitor her for EEHV also.

 

[ZCChip]

And matriline splits. You seem to be just as passionate about future bachelor herds as me. I like ur enthusiasm

Honestly to me, only the matriline split in North America that is likely to happen is the ALS cows when appropriate time comes. Several of them are related to USA elephants, and they have multiple generations already. With that, I could see it happening. As in sisters and mothers and daughters being separated because the matriline is large enough, etc.

 

[The Horse Boy]

Honestly to me, only the matriline split in North America that is likely to happen is the ALS cows when appropriate time comes. Several of them are related to USA elephants, and they have multiple generations already. With that, I could see it happening. As in sisters and mothers and daughters being separated because the matriline is large enough, etc.

Houston and White Oak have been discussed on the elephant threads profusely, but they're probably going to happen in the next few years from now. St Louis could even be a potential. I thibk neither of these places are currently willing to send a family troop, esp ALS with Charlie Grey's mentality, was the reason LA decided to give up elephants at least temporarily after Billy and Tina moved, though their facility could perfectly accommodate breeding herds as it's newer. The aza would never allow zoos to transfer a female elephant by herself between facilities as often as the bulls nowadays unless she had no relatives living with her

 

[ZCChip]

Houston and White Oak have been discussed on the elephant threads profusely, but they're probably going to happen in the next few years from now. St Louis could even be a potential. I thibk neither of these places are currently willing to send a family troop, esp ALS with Charlie Grey's mentality, was the reason LA decided to give up elephants at least temporarily after Billy and Tina moved, though their facility could perfectly accommodate breeding herds as it's newer.

At Houston, Shanti and Tess are not related so it would not hurt anything to have Shanti and Joy moved or Tess and her daughters moved. It has been predicated that it would be Shanti that will be moved.

White Oaks has only one matriline actively breeding right now. As far anyone knows.

 

[The Horse Boy]

At Houston, Shanti and Tess are not related so it would not hurt anything to have Shanti and Joy moved or Tess and her daughters moved. It has been predicated that it would be Shanti that will be moved.

I thibk the reason Houston currently doesn't plan to dispatch Shanti's family is because she has a 7 month old calf on the ground and her daughter Joy will be paired up with Chuck soon. Although Tess's family is more valuable, sending could potentially make more sense. Or Houston could just wait 2 to 5 years to move Shanti's line when their either one or two of their calves are ready to handle the logistics and stresses with transfers.

 

[ZCChip]

I thibk the reason Houston currently doesn't plan to dispatch Shanti's family is because she has a 7 month old calf on the ground and her daughter Joy will be paired up with Chuck soon. Although Tess's family is more valuable, sending could potentially make more sense. Or Houston could just wait 2 to 5 years to move Shanti's line when their either one or two of their calves are ready to handle the logistics and stresses with transfers.

they won’t need shanti and joy off for a long time. The first bubble probably to burst is ALS. Politics, Charlie gray retiring, facilities not updated, the list goes on.

 

[ZCChip]

ALS will be stuck with a casterated bull as no zoo would want him and Charlie Gray wouldn’t want to work with TES seeing he’s old school. They also have an older cow. I am blanking on her name now.

 

[The Horse Boy]

they won’t need shanti and joy off for a long time. The first bubble probably to burst is ALS. Politics, Charlie gray retiring, facilities not updated, the list goes on.

Not to mention the upcoming ban on elephant keeping in Canada

 

[ZCChip]

Not to mention the upcoming ban on elephant keeping in Canada

that’s why I said politics earlier I got it covered.

 

[E Maximus]

they won’t need shanti and joy off for a long time. The first bubble probably to burst is ALS. Politics, Charlie gray retiring, facilities not updated, the list goes on.

Doesn’t Houston have plans to expand their elephant habitat and add another “barn”? I don’t remember the specifics but I swear it’s in their master plan. If they were to split though, I’d bet money they’d move to San Antonio once their new exhibit is built. Their old elephant manager/curator is there now and is going to be in charge of their design and I’m sure their procurement of elephants.

 

[John Marchwick]

Doesn’t Houston have plans to expand their elephant habitat and add another “barn”? I don’t remember the specifics but I swear it’s in their master plan. If they were to split though, I’d bet money they’d move to San Antonio once their new exhibit is built. Their old elephant manager/curator is there now and is going to be in charge of their design and I’m sure their procurement of elephants.

San Antonio I could’ve sworn wanted African Elephants in the future and not Asian Elephants…?

 

[ZCChip]

Doesn’t Houston have plans to expand their elephant habitat and add another “barn”? I don’t remember the specifics but I swear it’s in their master plan. If they were to split though, I’d bet money they’d move to San Antonio once their new exhibit is built. Their old elephant manager/curator is there now and is going to be in charge of their design and I’m sure their procurement of elephants.

San Antonio Zoo's last elephants heads to sanctuary in Tennessee


they are focusing on the gorillas for now. But indeed elephants at some point.

 

[Nile Hippo Expert]

Doesn’t Houston have plans to expand their elephant habitat and add another “barn”? I don’t remember the specifics but I swear it’s in their master plan. If they were to split though, I’d bet money they’d move to San Antonio once their new exhibit is built. Their old elephant manager/curator is there now and is going to be in charge of their design and I’m sure their procurement of elephants.

This was the plan for the habitat as of March 2020, not sure if the plans have changed since.

This post I found gives a pretty good understanding regarding their master plan for their elephants as of 2023, and some things a keeper described to @TheImmigrant1, but one thing to note is that since then, Kirby was born when the keeper said Teddy would be the last calf for awhile, so plans may have changed slightly.

Asian Elephants

Not much to say on this one either as besides the extra space with the Reptile House gone, it will definitely be a nice expansion for this growing family. Afterall, who doesn't want to see baby elephants running around, the more space for these giants the better. The plan also shows off an expansion to their swimming pool which appears to be more of a creek or small river, possibly meant for the baby elephants to learn to swim before moving on to the larger pool. It also shows off what appears to be a new barn, and with the expectations of more elephants joining Houston's herd and their incredibly successful breeding program it's no wonder why they'd need more places for them to sleep. On my last visit to the zoo, I talked with a keeper who said that Teddy would be the last calf for a while, as to not crowd up the exhibit with elephants, so this expansion will not only give them more space but also allow for this breeding program to continue to prosper in the future once some of the herd members part ways to different facilities. Lastly, the zoo wants to give the elephants a more natural forested environment, this most likely just means more trees around the perimeter of the enclosure since trees and grass don't tend to last particularly long in elephant enclosures. Glad to see the biggest residents of the zoo moving up in the world, as I can't wait to see them shine as the biggest stars of the Asian Islands, and that brings me to.View attachment 615187

 

[Jambo]

they won’t need shanti and joy off for a long time. The first bubble probably to burst is ALS. Politics, Charlie gray retiring, facilities not updated, the list goes on.

Even if an expansion commences, a matriline split will be required eventually.

Shanti's line currently has three girls - 0.1 Shanti (1990), 0.1 Joy (2017), 0.1 Kirby (2024).

Tess's line currently has four girls - 0.1 Tess (1981), 0.1 Tupelo (2010), 0.1 Tilly (2018), 0.1 Winnie (2021).

Tess could have another calf, although at this point with the wealth of descendants she has, she'll likely be retired.

That gives each matriline three breeding females which will all be breeding in a decades time (perhaps with the exception of Shanti). Having five/six breeding cows will be quite difficult to cater for in the long term, especially with the herd still to grow, so a herd split now makes sense.

Either matriline could theoretically leave, and it would ultimately rely on an array of factors. But the smaller, younger matriline (in this case, Shanti's), might be easier to move.

 

[ZCChip]

Even if an expansion commences, a matriline split will be required eventually.

Shanti's line currently has three girls - 0.1 Shanti (1990), 0.1 Joy (2017), 0.1 Kirby (2024).

Tess's line currently has four girls - 0.1 Tess (1981), 0.1 Tupelo (2010), 0.1 Tilly (2018), 0.1 Winnie (2021).

Tess could have another calf, although at this point with the wealth of descendants she has, she'll likely be retired.

That gives each matriline three breeding females which will all be breeding in a decades time (perhaps with the exception of Shanti). Having five/six breeding cows will be quite difficult to cater for in the long term, especially with the herd still to grow, so a herd split now makes sense.

Either matriline could theoretically leave, and it would ultimately rely on an array of factors. But the smaller, younger matriline (in this case, Shanti's), might be easier to move.

All this time I thought Kirby was a boy!

 

[ZCChip]

This was the plan for the habitat as of March 2020, not sure if the plans have changed since.

This post I found gives a pretty good understanding regarding their master plan for their elephants as of 2023, and some things a keeper described to @TheImmigrant1, but one thing to note is that since then, Kirby was born when the keeper said Teddy would be the last calf for awhile, so plans may have changed slightly.

Is the bull barn a long rectangular one? I wonder. I recognize the right with the pavilions from the live feed.

 

[The Horse Boy]

San Antonio I could’ve sworn wanted African Elephants in the future and not Asian Elephants…?

That's a very old idea back when Stephen Mccusker was the director. They plan then was to make the barn and outdoor space much much larger by expanding it into the quarry behind then house a small bull herd of Africans. Now that that former space is overrun by savannah game and they're building a humongous gorilla enclosure, there's no viable real estate in their current African sector to appropriately house Africans. Plus like E Maximus said, the old elephant curator has now moved to SA, and that proves their adamance.

San Antonio Zoo on Instagram: "San Antonio Zoo is excited to announce that Daryl Hoffman will begin his role as the new Vice President of Animal Care at the start of 2025. Daryl fills a position that was previously held by Alan Kardon for 48 years until his retirement earlier this year. With over 30 years of distinguished experience in animal care and conservation, Hoffman’s appointment represents a significant milestone for the zoo. His leadership will be instrumental as the zoo prepares to introduce a world-class gorilla habitat and continues its ambitious master plan, including the anticipated return of Asian Elephants. Daryl Hoffman joins San Antonio Zoo from Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, where as Vice President of Living Collections, he was instrumental in overseeing animal care at the zoo and the International Conservation Center. His extensive expertise in managing large mammals and their habitats, including developing award-winning habitats and his pivotal role in establishing one of North America’s most successful Asian Elephant breeding programs, positions him as a leading figure in animal care and conservation. Prior to his time in Pittsburg, Daryl spent 16 years as the Curator of Large Mammals at Houston Zoo, and before that, Daryl spent 15 years at the Buffalo Zoo as a Lead Keeper for Elephant/Rhino/Sea Lion. Hoffman has played a crucial role in global elephant conservation as a board member of the International Elephant Foundation and Executive Director of the Elephant Managers Association. His contributions have also been widely recognized and respected as an instructor for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and representation in various elephant conservation committees. Under Hoffman’s leadership, the zoo is poised to advance its much-anticipated master plan, expanding the zoo’s footprint across 281 and reinforcing its dedication to providing educational and enriching experiences for visitors and exemplary care for its animal residents. The upcoming introduction of gorillas at Congo Falls is just the beginning of exciting developments on the horizon for San Antonio Zoo."

Elephants Ahead

'The park for many years was home to Lucky, an older lone Asian elephant. Morrow worked out a deal with Feld Entertainment for two retired female elephants from the Ringling Bros. Circus to join Lucky. The endeavor succeeded and the three lived together for a number of years, known collectively as “The Golden Girls.” With the passing of Lucky and one of the Ringling elephants, the decision was made to send the remaining Golden Girl to an elephant sanctuary.

“But the elephants are returning,” says Morrow. “Our next phase is going to involve returning Asian elephants to the Zoo.” Undeveloped zoo property on the other side of the freeway, behind the parking garage and the Zoo School will become the Zoo’s Asian district, with the elephants being the main draw.'

 

[Frankie_number_1_fan]

That's a very old idea back when Stephen Mccusker was the director. They plan then was to make the barn and outdoor space much much larger by expanding it into the quarry behind then house a small bull herd of Africans. Now that that former space is overrun by savannah game and they're building a humongous gorilla enclosure, there's no viable real estate in their current African sector to appropriately house Africans. Plus like E Maximus said, the old elephant curator has now moved to SA, and that proves their adamance.

San Antonio Zoo on Instagram: "San Antonio Zoo is excited to announce that Daryl Hoffman will begin his role as the new Vice President of Animal Care at the start of 2025. Daryl fills a position that was previously held by Alan Kardon for 48 years until his retirement earlier this year. With over 30 years of distinguished experience in animal care and conservation, Hoffman’s appointment represents a significant milestone for the zoo. His leadership will be instrumental as the zoo prepares to introduce a world-class gorilla habitat and continues its ambitious master plan, including the anticipated return of Asian Elephants. Daryl Hoffman joins San Antonio Zoo from Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, where as Vice President of Living Collections, he was instrumental in overseeing animal care at the zoo and the International Conservation Center. His extensive expertise in managing large mammals and their habitats, including developing award-winning habitats and his pivotal role in establishing one of North America’s most successful Asian Elephant breeding programs, positions him as a leading figure in animal care and conservation. Prior to his time in Pittsburg, Daryl spent 16 years as the Curator of Large Mammals at Houston Zoo, and before that, Daryl spent 15 years at the Buffalo Zoo as a Lead Keeper for Elephant/Rhino/Sea Lion. Hoffman has played a crucial role in global elephant conservation as a board member of the International Elephant Foundation and Executive Director of the Elephant Managers Association. His contributions have also been widely recognized and respected as an instructor for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and representation in various elephant conservation committees. Under Hoffman’s leadership, the zoo is poised to advance its much-anticipated master plan, expanding the zoo’s footprint across 281 and reinforcing its dedication to providing educational and enriching experiences for visitors and exemplary care for its animal residents. The upcoming introduction of gorillas at Congo Falls is just the beginning of exciting developments on the horizon for San Antonio Zoo."

Elephants Ahead

'The park for many years was home to Lucky, an older lone Asian elephant. Morrow worked out a deal with Feld Entertainment for two retired female elephants from the Ringling Bros. Circus to join Lucky. The endeavor succeeded and the three lived together for a number of years, known collectively as “The Golden Girls.” With the passing of Lucky and one of the Ringling elephants, the decision was made to send the remaining Golden Girl to an elephant sanctuary.

“But the elephants are returning,” says Morrow. “Our next phase is going to involve returning Asian elephants to the Zoo.” Undeveloped zoo property on the other side of the freeway, behind the parking garage and the Zoo School will become the Zoo’s Asian district, with the elephants being the main draw.'

Has there been any dates thrown out on when we can expect this complex to break ground/be built? I feel that will be a determining factor in which group moves assuming we see only one more calf (out of Joy) at Houston in the near future.