Melbourne Zoo Kulab's Calf
- Thread starter Axl
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Melbourne Zoo's elephant Kulab has an exercise regime before the birth
Katherine Firkin From: Herald Sun August 17, 2010
PREGNANT mum Kulab has been getting a work-out ahead of the birth of her calf next month.
The Asian elephant is being put through an intensive exercise regime to keep her weight gain within a healthy range.
Melbourne Zoo elephant team leader Dave McKelson said staff were keeping a close eye on Kulab, the second elephant to become pregnant at the zoo.
"We've set up our facilities and continued our exercise program to make sure that Kulab has the best possible chance of a successful delivery," Mr McKelson said.
"Delivering a calf that could weigh up to 130kg is a very strenuous event, especially for a first-time elephant mother."
Mr McKelson said zoo staff would be drawing from valuable experiences learnt during the highly publicised birth of Mali in January.
"We always knew that fitness would be the key to a successful birth, and we saw that for ourselves when Dokkoon gave birth to Mali," Mr McKelson said.
"We have put a great deal of time and effort into preparing for this birth."
Vets have also been keeping a close eye on the pregnant mum, and have been regularly monitoring the level of hormones in her blood.
Blood samples have been taken three times a week, but will be taken daily as the mid-September due date draws closer.
They'll be looking for a sharp drop in progesterone levels, which would indicate the birth was likely to happen within a few days.
Katherine Firkin From: Herald Sun August 17, 2010
PREGNANT mum Kulab has been getting a work-out ahead of the birth of her calf next month.
The Asian elephant is being put through an intensive exercise regime to keep her weight gain within a healthy range.
Melbourne Zoo elephant team leader Dave McKelson said staff were keeping a close eye on Kulab, the second elephant to become pregnant at the zoo.
"We've set up our facilities and continued our exercise program to make sure that Kulab has the best possible chance of a successful delivery," Mr McKelson said.
"Delivering a calf that could weigh up to 130kg is a very strenuous event, especially for a first-time elephant mother."
Mr McKelson said zoo staff would be drawing from valuable experiences learnt during the highly publicised birth of Mali in January.
"We always knew that fitness would be the key to a successful birth, and we saw that for ourselves when Dokkoon gave birth to Mali," Mr McKelson said.
"We have put a great deal of time and effort into preparing for this birth."
Vets have also been keeping a close eye on the pregnant mum, and have been regularly monitoring the level of hormones in her blood.
Blood samples have been taken three times a week, but will be taken daily as the mid-September due date draws closer.
They'll be looking for a sharp drop in progesterone levels, which would indicate the birth was likely to happen within a few days.
Mali is about to gain a playmate
Lucie van den Berg From: Herald Sun September 09, 2010
ZOO staff are on standby for the birth of Victoria's second baby elephant.
There's no danger of second baby syndrome at Melbourne Zoo with excitement levels peaking with the arrival of the elephant's midwife.
German vet Dr Thomas Hildebrandt touched down in Melbourne last night to help with the delivery.
Kulab, an 11-year-old Asian elephant, could give birth in less than a week.
"She will be going into labour some time in the next few days to a week," curator Jan Steele said.
Kulab's pregnancy has been almost textbook perfect.
Zookeepers are confident, but cautious when it comes to the birth.
Kulab has been a curious aunt to Mali.
"She's been very friendly, but she's not quite sure what to make of Mali sometimes," Ms Steele said
The curator is not worried about how Mali, Melbourne Zoo's first-born elephant, will react to the newborn stealing her spotlight: "She'll be so thrilled to have somebody smaller than her."
Lucie van den Berg From: Herald Sun September 09, 2010
ZOO staff are on standby for the birth of Victoria's second baby elephant.
There's no danger of second baby syndrome at Melbourne Zoo with excitement levels peaking with the arrival of the elephant's midwife.
German vet Dr Thomas Hildebrandt touched down in Melbourne last night to help with the delivery.
Kulab, an 11-year-old Asian elephant, could give birth in less than a week.
"She will be going into labour some time in the next few days to a week," curator Jan Steele said.
Kulab's pregnancy has been almost textbook perfect.
Zookeepers are confident, but cautious when it comes to the birth.
Kulab has been a curious aunt to Mali.
"She's been very friendly, but she's not quite sure what to make of Mali sometimes," Ms Steele said
The curator is not worried about how Mali, Melbourne Zoo's first-born elephant, will react to the newborn stealing her spotlight: "She'll be so thrilled to have somebody smaller than her."
Here is a link to MZ's website about the pregnancy and some videos by the keepers
Baby Elephant - Zoos Victoria
Baby Elephant - Zoos Victoria
Thanks for the link, it's great the amount of media coverage this birth is getting. I know more about the elephants at Taronga but decided to start a thread for Kulab who was also due soon.
I previously thought she wasn't due for another month or so and was amazed to disover the press release from yesterday saying she is due any day. It's very exciting and it'll be great for Mali.
I can see Kulab having a boy but that is purely a feeling I have and it could be totally wrong! It would be fantastic to have another girl and great for the herd in the future.
Thanks for the link, it's great the amount of media coverage this birth is getting. I know more about the elephants at Taronga but decided to start a thread for Kulab who was also due soon.
I previously thought she wasn't due for another month or so and was amazed to disover the press release from yesterday saying she is due any day. It's very exciting and it'll be great for Mali.
I can see Kulab having a boy but that is purely a feeling I have and it could be totally wrong! It would be fantastic to have another girl and great for the herd in the future.
I actually do hope now it is a girl as by looking at Mali in the videos she seems different to Luk Chai or Pathi Harn here at Taronga, a bit more cheeky I think
Will you be the first to announce the news?
I dont get it? I didnt say that they shouldnt have a male born I am just saying that Mali has a different personality to Luk Chai for instance, which I like. This doesnt mean I will not accept a male calf. Is that what you think I mean or am I getting confused and confusing you?
And BTW, I think Melbourne will announce the birth and not me.
I am very confused right now
torie
Well-Known Member
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So juding from your reaction it is a big calf? Well done Bong Su!
True true, Kulab should get major credibility as well but Bong Su has fathered 3/4 of the elephants born in Australia (2 with AI, 1 natural) so I think he needs a mention