Polar bear fan
Well-Known Member
Such a loss, now San Antonio only has two elephants. I’m certainly glad that at least the last few non-EEHV losses seem to be respectably aged individuals. I hope the keepers and Lucky and Nicole have time to heal.
North American Asian Elephant Population 2022
- Thread starter John Marchwick
- Start date
Karen had EEHV?
Polar bear fan
Well-Known Member
No, sorry. I was saying that at 52 years old Karen wasn’t a cripplingly arthritic 40 year old. I was referring to the recent deaths at ABQ bio park when I said EEHV.
Mai Thai
Well-Known Member
Such sad news! My heart goes out to her keepers, Lucky, and Nicole.
Very despairing news.
Karen lived a nice long life and its great to know she got to spend her last few years retired from the circus at San Antonio. My thoughts are with those who knew her most and her companions, Lucky and Nicole.
Yazziel
Well-Known Member
Surprise to us all, Asha’s latest calf Rama is actually female!!
Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden - Baby Rama Update - Spring Enrichment | Facebook
Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden - Baby Rama Update - Spring Enrichment | Facebook
WHAT?! I’m laughing hysterically right now as I’m writing this but on a serious note, because Rama is a female that would mean good news generically for the Asian Elephant population right?
This is wonderful news! But also very surprising and interesting as I don’t think I’ve ever heard of a zoo incorrectly sexing an elephant calf! 
That's crazy news! Especially since its been four months since the calf was officially first sexed!
It's good news for the region though, especially to see another female after a long string of male births. It's Asha and Rex's third daughter in a row though now! Oklahoma's future looks bright.
RhinoHippoElephantGiraffe
Well-Known Member
Will Rama's name change, since she was mistakenly identified as male?
Most likely not. Rama is both a boy and girl's name.
No, the zoo specifically stated they will not be changing her name in the post:
Elephantelephant
Well-Known Member
Wow! That's incredible news. At first, when I read it, I didn't even want to believe it. I didn't know such a mistake was possible at all.
In any case, this is great news not only for OKC, but for the whole of America - another cow. 
How did they incorrectly sex an elephant calf?
Some females have a large clitoris, that as calves, can look similar to a penis. It’s an easy enough mistake to make, especially if a facility is more hands off with their calves.
Mai Thai
Well-Known Member
Amazing news! I am so excited for this develop! This is amazing news for the North American Population!
As of June 6, 2022, there are 216 (52.164.0) Asian elephants in North America. Of the 216 Asian elephants in North America, 19 (3.16.0) reside at 2 institutions in Canada, and 197 (49.148.0) reside at 43 institutions in the United States. However, these numbers are not accurate as 13 (0.13.0) Asian elephants have an uncertain status. The elephants with an uncertain status are italicized in red in the current population.
North American Asian Elephant Population (06/2022)
North American Asian Elephant Population (06/2022)
Mai Thai
Well-Known Member
Court Decision on Happy the Elephant
After months of debate the verdict has finally been announced. Happy the Asian Elephant has been ruled not a person by a 5 to 2 vote in New York’s Top Court.
Bronx Zoo elephant named Happy isn’t a person, New York's top court rules
After months of debate the verdict has finally been announced. Happy the Asian Elephant has been ruled not a person by a 5 to 2 vote in New York’s Top Court.
Bronx Zoo elephant named Happy isn’t a person, New York's top court rules