North American African Elephant Population 2025

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toxodon said:
Don't you just love when these people do absolutely nothing for wild elephants, yet waste all their donations on hiring lawyers for the same thing 100 times.
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I admittedly laughed out loud when I read that Pittsburgh had already moved them!

I know Pittsburgh has been on the hot seat for years now with ARAs, but it is genuinely amusing when they try to fight the transfers of animals to larger spaces!
 
The San Diego Zoo Safari Parks new African Elephant exhibit is opening March 5th, 2026!!

San Diego Zoo Safari Park on Instagram: "Cue the trumpets Elephant Valley will officially open on March 5th, 2026! This all-new habitat at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park will immerse guests in the dynamics of these playful pachyderms, inspiring empathy and a deeper connection to the African savanna they help shape. This unique space further bridges the vital conservation science happening at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, both here in San Diego and through our collaborative elephant conservation initiatives worldwide. Follow along with us as we countdown to the grand opening of Elephant Valley. We can’t wait to share this transformative experience with you. #sdzsafaripark #elephantvalley #africanelephants"
 
I am getting afraid Musi did not get any females pregnant before he left… he was moved to the zoo in March 24, so the latest date for any calves sired by him before is end January 2026, and this is approaching fast with no calves born yet and no pregnancies confirmed. I am very concerned they are ruining their herd by poor management choices; time is running out fast for Phakamile and Khosi and serveral of the adult females as well.
 
Yassa said:
I am getting afraid Musi did not get any females pregnant before he left… he was moved to the zoo in March 24, so the latest date for any calves sired by him before is end January 2026, and this is approaching fast with no calves born yet and no pregnancies confirmed. I am very concerned they are ruining their herd by poor management choices; time is running out fast for Phakamile and Khosi and serveral of the adult females as well.
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To be fair, the Safari Park rarely actually announces pregnancies from what I remember. The calves are typically on the ground before they reveal anything, and with the new exhibit opening in 2026 they have all the more reason to wait to further boost anticipation for the opening. We've seen strong potential that Umngani is pregnant, and it is very possible other females are as well.

I wouldn't discount it just yet, there are still months yet for calves to drop before we should get worried.
 
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I was watching the North Carolina Zoo’s recent elephant pumpkin-smashing video they posted online, and noticed Batir (23) looked a bit fuller through the belly from the four-point angle, and her breasts were visible. In separate videos I’ve seen online, Louie (22) also seems to be looking a bit bulkier lately. Does anyone know if there have been any updates on Batir or if I’m just reading too much into things because I’d love for her to be pregnant!
 
Nathan Slaven said:
I was watching the North Carolina Zoo’s recent elephant pumpkin-smashing video they posted online, and noticed Batir (23) looked a bit fuller through the belly from the four-point angle, and her breasts were visible. In separate videos I’ve seen online, Louie (22) also seems to be looking a bit bulkier lately. Does anyone know if there have been any updates on Batir or if I’m just reading too much into things because I’d love for her to be pregnant!
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I doubt that. There is no breeding male there and at age 23 it would be difficult for Batir to get pregnant.
 
Mr.Ivory said:
Well, the cut-off breeding age is 24, so she is just under a year from her reproductive cutoff. It would be pheononmal news if she is indeed pregnant
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There's no specific 'reproductive cut off' age, all cows are different, but you are right that no cows have fallen pregnant for the first time after the age of 24.
HawkAlot said:
Louie - the mature, fully intact, and (presumably) reproductively viable male African elephant who lives at NC Zoo as well. Or a myriad of other males in the same category from across NA.
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It's also possible the zoo could've undertaken AI if she is indeed pregnant.
 
Jambo said:
There's no specific 'reproductive cut off' age, all cows are different, but you are right that no cows have fallen pregnant for the first time after the age of 24.

It's also possible the zoo could've undertaken AI if she is indeed pregnant.
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AZA/SSP does, however, have a *strongly* recommended cut off age for first pregnancy - around 25 I believe.

Also - there have been some first time conceptions after 24. Gina at Memphis, Genny C at Seneca Park, and Lady at KC were perfect examples - but look what happened with those...

As for the bit about AI - exactly what I was getting at. :)
 
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I guess with all these observations alluding to possible pregnancies in the - till now - more or less long time without breeding facilities ..., I treat them with a good measure of scepticism and a pinch of salt. Seeing (lest communications by the zoos officially themselves ...) is believing!!!!

TBH, I really do hope some of you are right on some counts though!
 
Nathan Slaven said:
I was watching the North Carolina Zoo’s recent elephant pumpkin-smashing video they posted online, and noticed Batir (23) looked a bit fuller through the belly from the four-point angle, and her breasts were visible. In separate videos I’ve seen online, Louie (22) also seems to be looking a bit bulkier lately. Does anyone know if there have been any updates on Batir or if I’m just reading too much into things because I’d love for her to be pregnant!
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I think you might be confusing Batir with Rafiki. I am like 80% sure Batir is the skinnier one in the video.
 
HawkAlot said:
Louie - the mature, fully intact, and (presumably) reproductively viable male African elephant who lives at NC Zoo as well. Or a myriad of other males in the same category from across NA.
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Louie has lived with the cows in Nebraska for 4 years. No calves there until callee arrived. Then bam.

so high doubt on Louie
 
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