North American African Elephant Population

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Julio C Castro said:
That’s a really odd way for them say she’s doing well. Having a “guarded” prognosis means that they’re still in a delicate/emergency state where treatments can be helping or just keeping them alive. In my experience, I haven’t ever heard a patient doing well and also being in a guarded condition all at the same time. It’s like an oxymoron. It does raise some concern as to the care or outcome of this poor calf, in my opinion at least.
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note, she was in guarded condition months ago. I personally don’t know if she is or not still, all I know is she’s not in the same state health wise as she was before and is getting better.
 
John Marchwick said:
note, she was in guarded condition months ago. I personally don’t know if she is or not still, all I know is she’s not in the same state health wise as she was before and is getting better.
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Ah understood! We can only hope that she does well even with the odds with calves at this age not having the best outcomes :(
 
John Marchwick said:
The Pittsburgh Zoo posted an update on their elephant calf on Instagram and apparently, she’s doing a lot better now. She was under guarded condition if I recall
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I don’t know what you’re talking about, I just checked their Instagram and they did post a picture of the calf yesterday but it doesn’t say anything about her “doing a lot better now.” The calf is probably doing a bit better since she’s clearly still alive but we don’t know if her health has actually improved a lot. Please don’t assume and post things without confirmation.

Here’s the post for anyone wondering: https://www.instagram.com/p/CX7Yn3zukMe/?utm_medium=copy_link
 
Annual Overview - 2021​

To public knowledge, there were four transfers, one birth, and three deaths in 2021. The overview also includes two deaths that occurred in 2019.

1.0 Tsandzikle and 1.0 Inhlonipho were transferred from the Reid Park Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, respectively, to the San Diego Zoo on April __, 2021.

Two Juvenile Male African Elephants Take Up Residence at the San Diego Zoo | San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

1.0 Louie was transferred from the Henry Doorly Zoo to the North Carolina Zoo on May 25, 2021.

The North Carolina Zoo Welcomes African Elephant Louie | North Carolina Zoo

1.0 Butch was transferred from the Monterey Zoo to Wildlife Safari on August 31, 2021.

NEW ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM IN WINSTON - KQEN News Radio
0.1 Sukiri gave birth to a female calf on July 18, 2021, at the International Conservation Center. 1.0 Jackson, at the International Conservation Center, is the sire.

News: Elephant Born at ICC | Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
39-year-old 0.1 Buffy passed away on February 5, 2021, at the Monterey Zoo.

FINAL-NECROPSY-REPORT-S2101099-Buffy-Redacted.pdf

9-year-old 1.0 Lucas passed away on April 13, 2021, at the Toledo Zoo.

Young elephant, Lucas, dies at Toledo Zoo of viral disease | The Blade
The Toledo Zoo | Facebook

41-year-old 0.1 Maggie passed away on August 3, 2021, at the Performing Animal Welfare Society.

PRESS RELEASE: Performing Animal Welfare Society Announces Death of African Elephant Maggie
0.2 African elephants passed away on October 6, 2019, and November 23, 2019, respectively, at Six Flags Great Adventure.

Six Flags Great Adventure (Jackson, New Jersey) - The Elephant Commentator

Current Population
​
As of January 1, 2022, there are 174 (36.138.0) African elephants in North America, of which 5 (2.3.0) reside at 2 institutions in Canada and 169 (34.135.0) reside at 44 institutions in the United States. However, these numbers are not accurate as 6 (0.6.0) African elephants have an uncertain status. The elephants with an uncertain status are italicized in red in the current population. Any information that could validate the status of these elephants is greatly appreciated.

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
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: 1.4.0 (5)

San Diego Zoo Safari Park - Escondido, California, United States
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: 1.7.0 (8)

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)

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 Mara (WILD × WILD) 1980.00.00
Total: 0.4.0 (4)

San Diego Zoo - San Diego, California, United States
1.0 Tsandzikle (Mabhulane × Litsemba) 2010.12.27
1.0 Inhlonipho (Mabhulane × Umngani) 2011.09.26
0.1 Shaba (WILD × WILD) 1980.00.00
Total: 2.1.0 (3)

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) 1996.00.00
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
0.1 Jayei (WILD × WILD) 1994.00.00
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: 1.5.0 (6)

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: 0.4.0 (4)

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
1.0 Louie (Bulwagi × Renee) 2003.04.30
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: 3.4.0 (7)

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
0.1 Renee (WILD × WILD) 1979.00.00
0.1 Twiggy (WILD × WILD) 1985.00.00
Total: 0.2.0 (2)

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
1.0 Butch (WILD × WILD) 1981.00.00
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: 1.3.0 (4)

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
0.1 Unnamed (Jackson × Sukiri) 2021.07.18
Total: 1.4.0 (5)

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)

The 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: 0.2.0 (2)

Dallas Zoo - Dallas, Texas, United States
1.0 Tendaji (WILD × WILD) 2004.00.00
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) 2004.00.00
0.1 Zola (WILD × WILD) 2004.00.00
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)
 
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We have a BABY!!!

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Kiki, an 18-year-old African elephant, gave birth to a calf at 11:33 a.m. today. Mom and calf are doing well. The gender and weight of the calf are unknown at this time. The calf is the first elephant born at the Zoo.

Animal Care Staff implemented a 24-hour watch for Kiki Thursday, January 6, when they noticed a continual drop in her progesterone levels, indicating labor would take place soon.

Kiki delivered the calf with all females in the herd present. At this time, the Elephant Family Quarters will remain closed to the public to allow Animal Care Staff time to observe bonding, maternal behaviors and nursing.

Callee, the father, is 21 and joined Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium in 2019.

The Zoo is awaiting the arrival of a second African elephant calf also due this winter.
 
MidwestFan said:
We have a BABY!!!

Log into Facebook

Kiki, an 18-year-old African elephant, gave birth to a calf at 11:33 a.m. today. Mom and calf are doing well. The gender and weight of the calf are unknown at this time. The calf is the first elephant born at the Zoo.

Animal Care Staff implemented a 24-hour watch for Kiki Thursday, January 6, when they noticed a continual drop in her progesterone levels, indicating labor would take place soon.

Kiki delivered the calf with all females in the herd present. At this time, the Elephant Family Quarters will remain closed to the public to allow Animal Care Staff time to observe bonding, maternal behaviors and nursing.

Callee, the father, is 21 and joined Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium in 2019.

The Zoo is awaiting the arrival of a second African elephant calf also due this winter.
Click to expand...
Excellent news for the North American population, now we only need to wait for Claire to give birth
 
Wonderful news! This is the first birth that has occurred with the animals from the 2016 import (besides Ajabu) so it's a very big deal. Hopefully Omma, Jayei, and Lolly are pregnant as well and Sedgwick County, Dallas, and Fresno all welcome calves in the coming months and years, as well. I'm really glad Omaha allowed for a natural setting during the birth by letting all the other girls to be present. A lot of zoos tend to separate cows from the herd during the birthing process which isn't what would happen in the wild. I'm hoping it's a little girl for the herd but I'll be happy as long as this calf is healthy and survives! Can't wait for Claire's calf to be born and see both calves interacting with one another, hopefully they will be the new, and adorable #PachydermPair after Zuli and Kaia at SDZSP, lol.

Also, it should be noted that this is a second generation birth since the sire Callee was captive born as well (at Pittsburgh). I believe the only other second generation North American born elephants are Victoria and her sister Zuri at Pittsburgh so this is truly a very important birth.
 
No, along with this calf, Victoria, and Zuri; Louie, Kedar, and Tamani are all second generation as well. Technically Osh is a second generation (and the only full second generation) animal as well, but he was imported from Europe, so he doesn’t count.

Although I am happy for this birth, any birth is a good birth for the NA population, I can’t help but be a bit jaded about it as well. While I have no doubt many of the younger forum members here will usher this in as the start of a new era resulting in the revival of breeding in the North American population, I can’t help but look at it with a jaded level of cynicism after all this time. The fact of the matter is, the vast majority of the recent Swaziland imports are likely all related to each other (especially the younger animals), and there is a decent chance there might be some relation to the 2003 imports as well. Well the bolster to the population is nice, they are ultimately a Band-Aid solution for the fundamental miss management and failure of the original founding population from the 70s to 90sto establish a viable breeding program. Especially considering the genetic diversity, as animals were coming from multiple different countries in Africa from much more diverse wild founding populations, as opposed to the much more limited nucleus of the Swaziland animals.
 
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Hyak_II said:
No, along with this calf, Victoria, and Zuri; Louie, Kedar, and Tamani are all second generation as well. Technically Osh is a second generation (and the only full second generation) animal as well, but he was imported from Europe, so he doesn’t count.
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Oh you're right, I completely forgot Bulwagi was captive born, thanks! On that note, I wonder when a third generation calf will be born... Louie and Kedar are both in breeding situations but given Louie's past I'm skeptical he's going to sire any calves at NC and since Kedar has had a similar lifestyle (ie not much exposure to other bulls) to his brother I worry he may become a non-breeder as well. As for Victoria and Zuri, I honestly give up on the thought of Victoria ever having a calf, she's 22 or so now and despite numerous AI attempts she hasn't conceived and it doesn't look like Pittsburgh's going to bring in a new bull sometime soon. Hopefully Pittsburgh will begin trying to AI Zuri and Angelica soon and we'll finally have a third generation birth if/when Zuri has a calf.
Hyak_II said:
The fact of the matter is, the vast majority of the recent Swaziland imports are likely all related to each other (especially the younger animals), and there is a decent chance there might be some relation to the 2003 imports as well. Well the bolster to the population is nice, they are ultimately a Band-Aid solution for the fundamental miss management and failure of the original founding population from the 70s to 90sto establish a viable breeding program. Especially considering the genetic diversity, as animals were coming from multiple different countries in Africa from much more diverse wild founding populations, as opposed to the much more limited nucleus of the Swaziland animals.
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That is... disappointing. But now that I think about it, you are probably correct about a lot of the animals being related as they're all from Swaziland. I completely understand what you're saying and I agree with you, it's very unfortunate a viable program wasn't established earlier on. I know you've been following the elephant breeding programs for years now and you've probably seen all the ups and downs the population has faced over the last couple decades so I get that you're not very enthusiastic about this. Is there really anything the SSP can do now to fix this or are they just going to have to deal with their past "mistakes" ?
 
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MidwestFan said:
We have a BABY!!!

Log into Facebook

Kiki, an 18-year-old African elephant, gave birth to a calf at 11:33 a.m. today. Mom and calf are doing well. The gender and weight of the calf are unknown at this time. The calf is the first elephant born at the Zoo.

Animal Care Staff implemented a 24-hour watch for Kiki Thursday, January 6, when they noticed a continual drop in her progesterone levels, indicating labor would take place soon.

Kiki delivered the calf with all females in the herd present. At this time, the Elephant Family Quarters will remain closed to the public to allow Animal Care Staff time to observe bonding, maternal behaviors and nursing.

Callee, the father, is 21 and joined Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium in 2019.

The Zoo is awaiting the arrival of a second African elephant calf also due this winter.
Click to expand...

this was some much needed good news after Albuquerque BioPark lost 2 of their young elephants from EEHV
 
Does anyone have any updates on San Diego Zoo Safari Park? They recently moved out all of their young bulls and really should receive a new bull for their herd of 6 breeding cows. It’s been almost three years since they sent away Msholo. With bulls like Tuffy, Samson, Tonka, and so many others it shouldn’t be overly complicated to receive one or two new bulls. It’s getting really worrying that nothing is happening, unless they are quietly performing AI. They were the best example to follow with two bulls, well socialized calves and willingness to send bulls out. Now it’s not looking good.
 
Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo announces name of new baby elephant

The elephant calf born to Kiki at the Omaha Zoo has been named Eugenia. And according to the zoo Claire is due in a week or 2. I have a gut feeling for whatever reason that Claire’s calf will be born by this Friday.

I also saw some debate that the calf genetically isn’t that valuable to the population or something like that but I’m just gonna say this. Kiki and Claire (aside from Mlilo at Dallas Zoo in 2016), are the only Swaziland elephants that have ever gotten pregnant. Kiki was cutting it close when it came to her getting pregnant and Claire fortunately will be having her first calf any day now. Those girls do have genetic diversity and we’ve had horrible luck with the African Elephant breeding program in recent years so let’s hope these births at the Omaha Zoo provide change for the better for the North American African Elephant Population. What I’m saying is without these births, we wouldn’t be in a good place with African Elephants in the US at least anyway
 
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John Marchwick said:
I also saw some debate that the calf genetically isn’t that valuable to the population or something like that but I’m just gonna say this. Kiki and Claire (aside from Mlilo at Dallas Zoo in 2016), are the only Swaziland elephants that have ever gotten pregnant. Kiki was cutting it close when it came to her getting pregnant and Claire fortunately will be having her first calf any day now. Those girls do have genetic diversity and we’ve had horrible luck with the African Elephant breeding program in recent years so let’s hope these births at the Omaha Zoo provide change for the better for the North American African Elephant Population. What I’m saying is without these births, we wouldn’t be in a good place with African Elephants in the US at least anyway
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No one was saying the calf isn't valuable at all. It's just she isn't as valuable as some people think she is since (like Hyak_II pointed out) it is quite likely some of the Swazi imports are related to one another as well as some of the individuals from the 2003 import (most of those animals are quite well represented at this point). Plus Callee's sire Jackson is one of the most well represented bulls in the nation. While I'm thrilled Omaha is starting to see success in breeding, I'm skeptical this will continue in 10-12 years from now when Eugenia is of breeding age. That's the problem with the North American population, zoos are just not willing to shift bulls around as much as European zoos and because of this tons of cows are not bred till their late teens to early twenties and some (like Victoria) will probably never breed sucessfully. So no, the population is most definitely not in a good place (with or without these calves) because even if Dallas, Omaha, Sedgwick, Fresno, and SDZSP start breeding now and see lots of success, chances are high this will come to an end in say 10 to 15 years from now. The population has just not been managed well thus far, and I fail to see a future where the population is healthy and self-sustaining unless big changes are made ASAP.
 
I think we are all in agreement as far as elephants is concerned the AZA/SSP's could do so much better. Allthough, I have to admit compared to Europe Africans are doing better Statewise yet, but there is a considerable mileage between elephant breeding management in Continental Europe over the US/Canadian Asiatic elephant program.

I am just seriously holding out for that the zoos as a consortium importing African elephants like Omaha, Dallas, Sedgwick have seen the light and will proceed on another basis of regularly exchanging F1 and hopefully at some point F2 offspring to third collections or separate matrilines and set up new breeding combinations with proven or new breeding bulls. Individual animal exchanges need to happen much more frequently and it should not be holding onto animals for dear life without any realistic prospect of succesful breeding.
 
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