North American Asian Elephant Population 2021

That is good news. I wonder why would both zoos-Fort Worth and African Lion Safari - consider it acceptable to seperate 2 mother-daughter-pairs?! That is so outdated and against the recommendations of the SSP.

But I guess I have an idea, African Lion Safari still works in free contact and my guess is they wanted to sell the elephants that are most difficult/ dangerous to work with in free contact. Or those that dont come along with other elephants in the herd.
 
MidwestFan said:
Tupelo has given birth at Houston Zoo to a female calf:

It’s a Girl! Asian Elephant Gives Birth at the Zoo, The Houston Zoo
Click to expand...

Exceptional news, especially for first time mum, Tupelo. :) Houstan have had amazing success breeding Asian Elephants recently.

I remember when Tupelo was born, and she has definitely come a long way since! Exciting that they have another girl, as it would be the beginning of Houston having a multi-generational herd. My fingers are crossed for Ongard to be the sire, but thats coming from someone who's home zoo is the one where Ongard was born.:p

Current Population of Asian Elephants at Houstan:

5.7

1.0 Thai (1965)
0.1 Methai (1969)
0.1 Tess (1981)
0.1 Shanti (1990) Onyx x Bozie
1.0 Tucker (2005) Tusko x Tess
0.1 Tupelo (2010) Thai x Tess
1.0 Baylor (2010) Thai x Shanti
1.0 Duncan (2014) Thai x Shanti
0.1 Joy (2017) Thai x Shanti
0.1 Tilly (2018) Thai x Tess
1.0 Nelson (2020) Thai x Shanti
0.1 Unamed (2021) Unknown x Tupelo
 
Elephantelephant said:
This is excelllent news! :):):) Great that the first Tupelo's calf is healthy and another bonus is that it is a cow. I think it could be considered that Shanti would be associated with her mother Bozie in the future. It's possible Houston will haven't enough space in ten years. Plus, Bozie could raise her grandchildren.
Click to expand...
Just trying to understand what youre saying here. Could you elaborate on what you mean by "would be associated"? I appologize, my brain cant seem to make sense of the sentence lol.
 
Elephantelephant said:
I meant she could be moved to Washington to meet her mother Bozie again. I'm sorry, my English is pretty lousy.:D
Click to expand...

An interesting choice. With Houstan running out space wise in the future, (which is imminent the way they are going with breeding), they will eventually have to consider sending one of the Matriarchal Lines (Shanti's or Tess's) elsewhere. I think Tess's line, which currently includes her two daughters (Tupelo and Tilly) and her granddaughter, will be the best option to be retained at Houstan. Whereas Shanti only has one daughter, Joy. Considering the National Zoo does have ageing elephants, and Spike is rather genetically valuable, maybe Shanti, Joy and any future calves could be sent there to rejuvenate their breeding program.
 
Jambo said:
An interesting choice. With Houstan running out space wise in the future, (which is imminent the way they are going with breeding), they will eventually have to consider sending one of the Matriarchal Lines (Shanti's or Tess's) elsewhere. I think Tess's line, which currently includes her two daughters (Tupelo and Tilly) and her granddaughter, will be the best option to be retained at Houstan. Whereas Shanti only has one daughter, Joy. Considering the National Zoo does have ageing elephants, and Spike is rather genetically valuable, maybe Shanti, Joy and any future calves could be sent there to rejuvenate their breeding program.
Click to expand...
Something to consider, however. Houston has the 16 year old bull, Tucker. He is unrelated to Shanti and Joy, and any other female calves Shanti and Thai produce. While Shanti's matriline isn't as "bulky", 5-6 years from now, Shanti could easily have another calf or two (hopefully female) with Thai, and Joy would most likely be with calf from Tucker as well.

Either way, when Houston *is* eventually forced to split the herd due to space constraints, they will still be very well off as a breeding facility.
 
Hyak_II said:
Something to consider, however. Houston has the 16 year old bull, Tucker. He is unrelated to Shanti and Joy, and any other female calves Shanti and Thai produce. While Shanti's matriline isn't as "bulky", 5-6 years from now, Shanti could easily have another calf or two (hopefully female) with Thai, and Joy would most likely be with calf from Tucker as well.

Either way, when Houston *is* eventually forced to split the herd due to space constraints, they will still be very well off as a breeding facility.
Click to expand...

True true. I always thought that Tucker would replace Thai as Houstan's breeding male. He is an easy candidate for breeding with Joy when she does come of age. I'm surprised Tucker hasn't been bred yet. His genetics are much more valuable than others in the US.
 
I am sad to report that El Paso Zoo's Juno has lost her battle with breast cancer. She was 53.

(1) Facebook

10159109935092622
 
After looking into it, El Paso should phase out their elephant program. With only an isolated female and an outdated habitat, I wouldn't want any other elephants sent there. It will very quickly find itself in a similar situation, given Savannah's age. The space is too small to have a decent number of elephants. Really El Paso should do the responsible thing and transfer Savannah out of the zoo and reutilize the space.
 
Bozie's Friend said:
After looking into it, El Paso should phase out their elephant program. With only an isolated female and an outdated habitat, I wouldn't want any other elephants sent there. It will very quickly find itself in a similar situation, given Savannah's age. The space is too small to have a decent number of elephants. Really El Paso should do the responsible thing and transfer Savannah out of the zoo and reutilize the space.
Click to expand...
Since Savannah is 69 years old, it is not appropriate for her to be transported.
 
Elephantelephant said:
Since Savannah is 69 years old, it is not appropriate for her to be transported.
Click to expand...

Most of the time, these days, age is used by zoos just as an excuse for why they shouldn’t move their elderly elephants. In reality, there isn’t much harm in doing it. Elephants in their 60’s part of circuses are being transported frequently.

In Savannah’s case, with her approaching 70, it may be a little risky to move her, but its worth it if she may be better off living elsewhere. Do we have any idea whether a companion has been selected for her yet?
 
Jambo said:
Most of the time, these days, age is used by zoos just as an excuse for why they shouldn’t move their elderly elephants. In reality, there isn’t much harm in doing it. Elephants in their 60’s part of circuses are being transported frequently.

In Savannah’s case, with her approaching 70, it may be a little risky to move her, but its worth it if she may be better off living elsewhere. Do we have any idea whether a companion has been selected for her yet?
Click to expand...
Yes, as far as circus cows are concerned, I approve of the move even if they are 65 years old. They are used to traveling in a circus all their lives, it's not that stress for them and they don't get any excellent care in a circus. But if it's in a zoo that has at least average conditions, I think it's different. The cow is not accustomed to transport and should finish her life in peace.

It is not yet known if they have chosen a new elephant for Savannah, it may take more than a year. Maybe they will change this decision and leave her alone, it is not yet known.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top