North American Asian Elephant Population 2023

[John Marchwick]

I recently emailed the Saint Louis Zoo about Asian Elephant breeding and the zoo reached out back to me and said at this time they are not breeding any of their elephants. This doesn’t make any sense to me given Rani, Jade, Maliha, and Priya are all breeding females and Jade and Maliha especially since they haven’t ever had a calf they need to get bred ASAP.

 

[IndianRhino]

Just because they say that doesn’t mean it’s true, zoos generally refrain from giving out information like that to anyone and everyone, especially for elephants and other megafauna.

With that said, I would say there is a good chance rani is pregnant again with a calf due either this year or next year. As for Maliha and Jade, I *think* they’ve been trained for AI but I’m not 100% sure on that one. Either way, I’m sure the zoo will get a new breeding bull for Raja’s daughters eventually. They’ve still got a couple more years till they really have to get pregnant before the cutoff anyway.

 

[John Marchwick]

Just because they say that doesn’t mean it’s true, zoos generally refrain from giving out information like that to anyone and everyone, especially for elephants and other megafauna.

With that said, I would say there is a good chance rani is pregnant again with a calf due either this year or next year. As for Maliha and Jade, I *think* they’ve been trained for AI but I’m not 100% sure on that one. Either way, I’m sure the zoo will get a new breeding bull for Raja’s daughters eventually. They’ve still got a couple more years till they really have to get pregnant before the cutoff anyway.

the zoo also mentioned they aren’t getting a new breeding bull in the near future. The email I received from them was that they are taking a break from breeding their elephants at this time but I do get what you’re saying. I just hope you’re right.

 

[PSO]

@IndianRhino is right. St. Louis would be down right irresponsible if they let there true intentions with elephants known via email. I'd expect some news regarding the elephants around mid year.

 

[E Maximus]

Hi all, in Elephant Enthusiats' absence and with their previous blessing, I just wanted to post a quick population update for the North American Asian Elephant population. This is my first time posting said list, so please let me know if you notice any inaccuracies. I also wanted to add that I have excluded any calves post 0.1 Ikme at ALS in Canada as no one has been able to get an accurate count or sex on said calves.

2022 Yearly Overview
Overall, 2022 was a busy and historic year for the North American Asian Elephant population. We had a total of 8 deaths, 4 births (One set of twins!), 2 imports, and 2 transfers.

Spoiler: Imports

0.1 Trong Nhi (Alexander x Douanita) was transferred from the Rotterdam Zoo(EU) to the Smithsonian National Zoo on November 6th, 2022

0.1 Nhi Linh (Timber x Trong Nhi) was transfer from the Rotterdam Zoo(EU) to the Smithsonian National Zoo on November 6th, 2022

Spoiler: Transfers

1.0 Sabu (Wild x Wild) was transferred from Cincinnati Zoo to the Columbus Zoo on November 15, 2022

1.0 Bowie (Samson x Bluebonnet) was transferred to the Oklahoma City Zoo on November 18th, 2022

Spoiler: Births

0.1 Rama (Rex x Asha) was born at the Oklahoma City Zoo on January 20th, 2022

0.1 Tikka (Casey x Aree) was born at White Oak on June 14th, 2022

1.0 Yaad (Doc x Mali) was born at Rosamond Gifford Zoo on October 24th, 2022

1.0 Tukada (Doc x Mali) was born at Rosamond Gifford Zoo on October 24th, 2022

Spoiler: Deaths

9-year-old Jazmine (0.1) at ABQ Bio Park passed away on January 2nd, 2022 after her battle with EEHV

53-year-old Karen (0.1) at San Antonio Zoo was euthanized on March 9th, 2022 after a decline in her health

49-year-old Charlie (1.0) at White Oak passed away on April 6th, 2022. Cause of death not publicized.

13-year Beco (1.0) at Columbus Zoo passed away on June 18, 2022, after his battle with EEHV

62-year-old Lucky (0.1) at San Antonio Zoo was euthanized on November 2nd, 2022 after a rapid decline in her health due to her age

45-year-old Devi (0.1) at San Diego Zoo was euthanized on November 3rd, 2022 after a decline in her health and mobility on

56-year-old Bamboo (0.1) at Oklahoma City Zoo was euthanized on November 15, 2022, after a decline in health due to age-related issues

56-year-old Dalip (1.0) at Zoo Miami was euthanized on November 24th, 2022 after lying down and being unable to get to his feet

Current Population

Currently, there are approximately 216 (51.165.0) Asian elephants in North America with roughly 19 (3.16.0) at 2 institutions in Canada and 197(48.149.0) at 43 institutions in the United States. I have tried my hardest to make this an accurate list, however, there are more than a dozen animals with an unknown status which will be highlighted in red.

Spoiler: Current Population

Canada

Edmonton Valley Zoo - Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
0.1 Lucy (WILD × WILD) 1975.00.00
Total: 0.1.0 (1)

African Lion Safari - Cambridge, Ontario, Canada
1.0 George (Calvin × Phoebe) 1999.10.21
1.0 Johnson (Calvin × Kitty) 2001.04.29
1.0 Onyx (Johnson × Opal) 2018.08.18
0.1 Jenny (WILD × WILD) 1967.00.00
0.1 Maggie (WILD × WILD) 1968.00.00
0.1 Lilly (Motek × Warda) 1985.01.31
0.1 Natasha (Tusko × Whimpy) 1994.02.27
0.1 Piccolo (Alexander × Lilly) 1994.12.11
0.1 Opal (Rex × Natasha) 2005.11.04
0.1 Emily (Rex × Kitty) 2006.04.23
0.1 Nellie (Johnson × Natasha) 2013.08.02
0.1 Hannah (Johnson × Lilly) 2014.10.19
0.1 Gigi (George × Emily) 2015.02.24
0.1 Anna May (Johnson × Opal) 2015.05.04
0.1 Rose (Johnson × Natasha) 2016.02.28
0.1 Luna (Johnson × Lilly) 2018.08.17
0.1 Sunita (Johnson × Natasha) 2018.11.14
0.1 Imke (Johnson × Lilly) 2020.11.22
Total: 3.15.0 (18)


United States

Phoenix Zoo - Phoenix, Arizona, United States
0.1 Indu (WILD × WILD) 1965.00.00
Total: 0.1.0 (1)

Little Rock Zoo - Little Rock, Arkansas, United States
0.1 Zina (WILD × WILD) 1961.00.00
0.1 Sophie (WILD × WILD) 1969.00.00
0.1 Babe (WILD × WILD) 1975.00.00
Total: 0.3.0 (3)

Los Angeles Zoo - Los Angeles, California, United States
1.0 Billy (WILD × WILD) 1985.00.00
0.1 Jewel (WILD × WILD) 1964.00.00
0.1 Tina (WILD × WILD) 1966.00.00
0.1 Shaunzi (WILD × WILD) 1971.00.00
Total: 1.3.0 (4)

Performing Animal Welfare Society - San Andreas, California, United States
1.0 Prince (Hugo × Me Tu) 1987.05.24
1.0 Nicholas (Tunga × Ronnie) 1993.12.15
0.1 Gypsy (WILD × WILD) 1967.00.00
Total: 2.1.0 (3)

San Diego Zoo - San Diego, California, United States
0.1 Mary (WILD × WILD) 1964.00.00
Total: 0.1.0 (1)

Denver Zoo - Denver, Colorado, United States
1.0 Groucho (WILD × WILD) 1970.00.00
1.0 Bodhi (Coco × Phoebe) 2004.04.16
1.0 Billy (Alexander × Yasmin) 2008.02.17
1.0 Chuck (Rex × Mali) 2008.07.15
1.0 Jake (Rex × Natasha) 2009.11.02
Total: 5.0.0 (5)

Commerford Zoo - Goshen, Connecticut, United States
0.1 Minnie (WILD × WILD) 1972.00.00
Total: 0.1.0 (1)

Smithsonian National Zoo - Washington, District of Columbia, United States
1.0 Spike (Dalip × Seetna) 1981.07.02
0.1 Bozie (WILD × WILD) 1975.00.00
0.1 Kamala (WILD × WILD) 1975.00.00
0.1 Swarna (WILD × WILD) 1975.00.00
0.1 Maharani (Bandara × Kamala) 1990.07.14
0.1 Trong Nhi (Alexander × Douanita) 2003.05.13
0.1 Nhi Linh (Timber × Trong Nhi) 2013.08.10
Total: 1.6.0 (7)

Franzen Brothers Circus - Bushnell, Florida, United States
0.1 Okha (WILD × WILD) 1970.00.00
Total: 0.1.0 (1)

Elephant Walk - Gainesville, Florida, United States
0.1 Essex (WILD × WILD) 1974.00.00
Total: 0.1.0 (1)

Miami Zoo - Miami, Florida, United States
1.0 Ongard (Bong Su × Kulab) 2010.09.10
0.1 Nellie (WILD × WILD) 1969.00.00
Total: 1.1.0 (2)

Myakka Elephant Ranch - Myakka City, Florida, United States
0.1 Carol (WILD × WILD) 1973.00.00
0.1 Patty (WILD × WILD) 1973.00.00
Total: 0.2.0 (2)

Center for Elephant Conservation - Polk City, Florida, United States
1.0 Vance (WILD × WILD) 1963.00.00
1.0 Osgood (Charlie × Emma) 1999.08.16
1.0 Gunther (Charlie × Mala) 2001.11.18
1.0 P.T. (Charlie × Josky) 2002.05.21
1.0 Irvin (Charlie × Alana) 2005.06.01
1.0 Barack (Doc × Bonnie) 2009.01.19
0.1 Aussan (WILD × WILD) 1957.00.00
0.1 Sarah (WILD × WILD) 1957.00.00
0.1 Baby (WILD × WILD) 1961.00.00
0.1 Toby (WILD × WILD) 1961.00.00
0.1 Cora (Thonglaw × Rosy) 1965.12.03
0.1 Mala (WILD × WILD) 1967.00.00
0.1 Sally (WILD × WILD) 1967.00.00
0.1 Asia (WILD × WILD) 1968.00.00
0.1 Emma (WILD × WILD) 1972.00.00
0.1 Alana (WILD × WILD) 1975.00.00
0.1 Bangko (WILD × WILD) 1976.00.00
0.1 Icky (WILD × WILD) 1976.00.00
0.1 Siam (WILD × WILD) 1976.00.00
Total: 6.11.0 (17)

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay - Tampa, Florida, United States
0.1 Simba (WILD × WILD) 1968.00.00
0.1 Tina (WILD × WILD) 1969.00.00
0.1 Rosie (WILD × WILD) 1970.00.00
0.1 Carina (WILD × WILD) 1972.00.00
0.1 Karnaudi (Vance × Carina) 1990.04.13
Total: 0.5.0 (5)

Two Tails Ranch - Williston, Florida, United States
1.0 Smokey (Vance × Mala) 1984.02.02
1.0 Luke (Vance × Tilly) 1985.11.24
0.1 Roxy (WILD × WILD) 1965.00.00
0.1 Shell (WILD × WILD) 1966.00.00
0.1 Patty (WILD × WILD) 1971.00.00
0.1 Tika (WILD × WILD) 1971.00.00
0.1 Bunny (WILD × WILD) 1972.00.00
0.1 Marie (WILD × WILD) 1973.00.00
Total: 2.6.0 (8)

White Oak Conservation Center - Yulee, Florida, United States
1.0 Casey (WILD × WILD) 1971.00.00
0.1 Tonka (Hugo or Vance × Minyak) 1983.08.23
0.1 Luna (Hugo or Vance × Josky) 1984.01.01
0.1 Juliette (Pete × Icky) 1992.12.30
0.1 Bonnie (Vance × Sid) 1994.10.29
0.1 Kelly Ann (Vance × Sally) 1996.01.01
0.1 Angelica (Charlie × Icky) 1997.06.23
0.1 Sara (Charlie × Icky) 2001.04.16
0.1 Asha (Charlie × Alana) 2002.03.05
0.1 Aree (Charlie × Mala) 2005.04.21
0.1 Mable (Romeo × Shirley) 2006.04.06
0.1 April (Charlie × Alana) 2010.04.03
0.1 Piper (Romeo × Shirley) 2012.08.13
0.1 Masala (Casey x Mable) 2021.08.25
0.1 Tikka (Casey x Aree) 2022.06.14
Total: 1.14.0 (15)

Elephant Refuge North America - Attapulgus, Georgia, United States
1.0 Bo (Vance × Sid) 1987.01.22
0.1 Tarra (WILD × WILD) 1974.00.00
Total: 1.1.0 (2)

Honolulu Zoo - Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
0.1 Mari (UNK × UNK) 1975.00.00
0.1 Vaigai (UNK × UNK) 1985.12.24
Total: 0.2.0 (2)

Topeka Zoo - Topeka, Kansas, United States
0.1 Cora (WILD × WILD) 1958.00.00
Total: 0.1.0 (1)

Louisville Zoo - Louisville, Kentucky, United States
0.1 Punch (WILD × WILD) 1970.00.00
Total: 0.1.0 (1)

Audubon Zoo - New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
0.1 Jean (WILD × WILD) 1972.00.00
0.1 Jothi (WILD × WILD) 1981.00.00
0.1 Surapa (WILD × WILD) 1983.00.00
Total: 0.3.0 (3)

Buttonwood Park Zoo - New Bedford, Massachusetts, United States
0.1 Ruth (WILD × WILD) 1958.00.00
0.1 Emily (WILD × WILD) 1964.00.00
Total: 0.2.0 (2)

Saint Louis Zoo - St. Louis, Missouri, United States
1.0 Raja (Onyx × Pearl) 1992.12.27
0.1 Donna (WILD × WILD) 1971.00.00
0.1 Ellie (WILD × WILD) 1971.00.00
0.1 Pearl (WILD × WILD) 1971.00.00
0.1 Sri (WILD × WILD) 1980.00.00
0.1 Rani (Indy × Ellie) 1996.07.05
0.1 Maliha (Raja × Ellie) 2006.08.02
0.1 Jade (Raja × Rani) 2007.02.25
0.1 Priya (Raja × Ellie) 2013.04.26
Total: 1.8.0 (9)

Dickerson Park Zoo - Springfield, Missouri, United States
1.0 Indy (WILD × WILD) 1972.00.00
1.0 Hugo (Tommy × Whimpy) 2011.04.25
0.1 Patience (WILD × WILD) 1974.00.00
0.1 Moola (UNK × UNK) 1981.08.08
Total: 2.2.0 (4)

Carden International Circus - Springfield, Missouri, United States
0.1 Vicky (WILD × WILD) 1961.00.00
0.1 Betty (WILD × WILD) 1969.00.00
0.1 Cindy (WILD × WILD) 1971.00.00
0.1 Janice (WILD × WILD) 1971.00.00
Total: 0.4.0 (4)

Albuquerque Zoo - Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States
1.0 Albert (Calvin × Lilly) 1998.11.29
0.1 Irene (WILD × WILD) 1967.00.00
0.1 Alice (WILD × WILD) 1974.00.00
0.1 Rozana (Ranchipur × Alice) 1992.11.08
Total: 1.3.0 (4)

Bronx Zoo - Bronx, New York, United States
0.1 Patty (WILD × WILD) 1970.00.00
0.1 Happy (WILD × WILD) 1971.00.00
Total: 0.2.0 (2)

Rosamond Gifford Zoo - Syracuse, New York, United States
1.0 Doc (Charlie × Alana) 1997.05.08
1.0 Yaad (Doc × Mali) 2022.10.24
1.0 Tukada (Doc × Mali) 2022.10.24
0.1 Siri (WILD × WILD) 1967.00.00
0.1 Romani (WILD × WILD) 1977.00.00
0.1 Targa (Vance × Birka) 1983.11.23
0.1 Kirina (Indy × Romani) 1995.06.20
0.1 Mali (Indy × Targa) 1997.02.28
Total: 3.5.0 (8)

Cincinnati Zoo - Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
0.1 Mai Thai (WILD × WILD) 1973.00.00
0.1 Schottzie (Chieng Mai × Buag Hah) 1975.12.15
0.1 Jati (WILD × WILD) 1987.00.00
Total: 0.3.0 (3)

Columbus Zoo - Powell, Ohio, United States
1.0 Hank (Vance × Mala) 1988.01.16
1.0 Sabu (WILD × WILD) 1988.00.00
1.0 Frankie (Hank × Phoebe) 2021.06.16
0.1 Connie (WILD × WILD) 1973.00.00
0.1 Phoebe (Motek × Warda) 1987.05.15
0.1 Rudy (Charlie × Sally) 2002.01.29
0.1 Sundara (Charlie × Sally) 2008.11.09
Total: 3.4.0 (7)

Carson & Barnes Circus - Hugo, Oklahoma, United States
0.1 Isla (Libby) (WILD × WILD) 1968.00.00
0.1 Kelly (Bunny) (WILD × WILD) 1970.00.00
0.1 Chang (WILD × WILD) 1972.00.00
0.1 Lulu (WILD × WILD) 1975.00.00
Total: 0.4.0 (4)

Endangered Ark Foundation - Hugo, Oklahoma, United States
1.0 Tommy (Vance × Birka) 1992.05.25
1.0 Obert (Buke × Isa) 2003.08.20
1.0 Cameron Lee (Tommy × Whimpy) 2020.08.02
0.1 Suzy (WILD × WILD) 1956.00.00
0.1 Alta (WILD × WILD) 1964.07.11
0.1 Zola (WILD × WILD) 1965.00.00
0.1 Lillie (WILD × WILD) 1967.00.00
0.1 Becky (WILD × WILD) 1969.00.00
0.1 Lisa (WILD × WILD) 1969.00.00
0.1 Margaret (WILD × WILD) 1969.00.00
0.1 Rosie (WILD × WILD) 1969.00.00
0.1 Delrita (WILD × WILD) 1970.00.00
0.1 Traci (WILD × WILD) 1970.00.00
0.1 Whimpy (WILD × WILD) 1970.00.00
0.1 Val (Tommy × Whimpy) 2007.04.27
0.1 Dori Marie (Tommy × Whimpy) 2015.07.28
Total: 3.13.0 (16)

Oklahoma City Zoo - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
1.0 Rex (WILD × WILD) 1968.00.00
1.0 Kandula (Calvin × Shanthi) 2001.11.25
1.0 Bowie (Samson × Bluebonnet) 2013.08.05
0.1 Asha (Onyx × Connie) 1995.02.02
0.1 Chandra (Onyx × Moola) 1996.07.02
0.1 Achara (Rex × Asha) 2014.12.22
0.1 Kairavi (Rex × Asha) 2018.10.09
0.1 Rama (Rex × Asha) 2022.01.20
Total: 3.5.0 (8)

Tulsa Zoo - Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States
1.0 Sneezy (WILD × WILD) 1971.00.00
0.1 Booper (WILD × WILD) 1972.00.00
0.1 Sooky (WILD × WILD) 1972.00.00
Total: 1.2.0 (3)

Oregon Zoo - Portland, Oregon, United States
1.0 Samson (Calvin × Kitty) 1998.05.04
1.0 Samudra (Tusko × Rose Tu) 2008.08.23
0.1 Sung Surin (Packy × Pet) 1982.12.26
0.1 Chendra (WILD × WILD) 1993.00.00
0.1 Rose Tu (Hugo × Me Tu) 1994.08.31
Total: 2.3.0 (5)

The Elephant Sanctuary - Hohenwald, Tennessee, United States
0.1 Billie (WILD × WILD) 1962.00.00
0.1 Minnie (WILD × WILD) 1966.00.00
0.1 Ronnie (WILD × WILD) 1966.00.00
0.1 Sissy (WILD × WILD) 1968.00.00
0.1 Debbie (WILD × WILD) 1971.00.00
Total: 0.5.0 (5)

El Paso Zoo - El Paso, Texas, United States
0.1 Savannah (WILD × WILD) 1952.00.00
Total: 0.1.0 (1)

Fort Worth Zoo - Fort Worth, Texas, United States
1.0 Colonel (Buke × Whimpy) 1991.04.04
1.0 Romeo (Pete × Alana) 1993.01.10
1.0 Brazos (Romeo × Bluebonnet) 2021.10.21
0.1 Rasha (WILD × WILD) 1973.00.00
0.1 Angel (Vance × Sally) 1988.12.30
0.1 Bluebonnet (Groucho × Rasha) 1998.12.16
0.1 Belle (Groucho × Rasha) 2013.07.07
Total: 3.4.0 (7)

Hill Country Elephant Preserve - Fredericksburg, Texas, United States
0.1 Kitty (WILD × WILD) 1966.00.00
0.1 Rosie (WILD × WILD) 1984.00.00
0.1 Becky (WILD × WILD) 1987.00.00
Total: 0.3.0 (3)

Houston Zoo - Houston, Texas, United States
1.0 Thailand (WILD × WILD) 1965.00.00
1.0 Tucker (Tusko × Tess) 2005.05.12
1.0 Baylor (Thailand × Shanti) 2010.05.04
1.0 Duncan (Thailand × Shanti) 2014.02.07
1.0 Nelson (Thailand × Shanti) 2020.05.12
1.0 Teddy (Thailand × Tess) 2021.05.16
0.1 Methai (WILD × WILD) 1969.00.00
0.1 Tess (WILD × WILD) 1983.00.00
0.1 Shanti (Onyx × Bozie) 1990.10.11
0.1 Tupelo (Thailand × Tess) 2010.10.03
0.1 Joy (Thailand × Shanti) 2017.07.12
0.1 Tilly (Thailand × Tess) 2018.06.17
0.1 Winnie (Bodhi × Tupelo) 2021.03.10
Total: 6.7.0 (13)

San Antonio Zoo - San Antonio, Texas, United States
0.1 Nicole (WILD × WILD) 1975.00.00
Total: 0.1.0 (1)

Point Defiance Zoo - Tacoma, Washington, United States
0.1 Suki (WILD × WILD) 1964.00.00
Total: 0.1.0 (1)

Circus World Museum - Baraboo, Wisconsin, United States
0.1 Viola (WILD × WILD) 1966.00.00
0.1 Isa (WILD × WILD) 1970.00.00
Total: 0.2.0 (2)

 

[Mr.Ivory]

White Oak Conservation Center - Yulee, Florida, United States
1.0 Casey (WILD × WILD) 1971.00.00
0.1 Tonka (Hugo or Vance × Minyak) 1983.08.23
0.1 Luna (Hugo or Vance × Josky) 1984.01.01
0.1 Juliette (Pete × Icky) 1992.12.30
0.1 Bonnie (Vance × Sid) 1994.10.29
0.1 Kelly Ann (Vance × Sally) 1996.01.01
0.1 Angelica (Charlie × Icky) 1997.06.23
0.1 Sara (Charlie × Icky) 2001.04.16
0.1 Asha (Charlie × Alana) 2002.03.05
0.1 Aree (Charlie × Mala) 2005.04.21
0.1 Mable (Romeo × Shirley) 2006.04.06
0.1 April (Charlie × Alana) 2010.04.03
0.1 Piper (Romeo × Shirley) 2012.08.13
0.1 Masala (Casey x Mable) 2021.08.25
0.1 Tikka (Casey x Aree) 2022.06.14
Total: 1.14.0 (15)

Astounding news for White oak, and even more astounding that Casey at long last finally has surviving offspring given his genetic value to the population. And hopefully April, Piper, Bonnie, Angelica, Sara and Asha are pregnant as well.

 

[Jambo]

Astounding news for White oak, and even more astounding that Casey at long last finally has surviving offspring given his genetic value to the population. And hopefully April, Piper, Bonnie, Angelica, Sara and Asha are pregnant as well.

April and Piper should hopefully conceive soon if not pregnant already. Same goes for Angelica who needs to conceive asap (as she last conceived a decade ago).

Bonnie last gave birth 14 years so if she's not pregnant, hopefully she does soon as she's really pushing it. Sara and Asha are both in their early 20's too, so there's still a small chance with both females; hopefully they too are already pregnant with their first calves.

 

[PSO]

@NOVAElephantEnthusiast do you have a source for the elephant calf born at White Oak?

 

[b_g_19]

49-year-old Charlie (1.0) at White Oak passed away on April 6th, 2022. Cause of death not publicized.

Interesting, apparently Charlie also moved to White Oak.

 

[Jambo]

Interesting, apparently Charlie also moved to White Oak.

The move must have been late 2021, following the girls, so he would've died soon after his move over to White Oak; presumably as a breeding bull.

 

[John Marchwick]

Los Angeles Zoo and Angelenos Mourn Jewel The 61-Year-Old Elephant | LATF USA NEWS

Jewel, a 61 year old female Asian Elephant at the Los Angeles Zoo, has died.

 

[b_g_19]

According to Elephant.SE, Assam and Smokey passed away at Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Center for Elephant Conservation.

However, Smokey lives at Two Tails Ranch since 2020, so I don't know if it's accurate.

Also, Elephant.se says that Luke from Two Tails Ranch also passed away.

 

[Yazziel]

I found this regarding Luke, apparently he passed away from a suspected heart condition but no necropsy was performed.

People 4 Pachyderms

 

[Bozie's Friend]

If anyone visits the Houston Zoo soon, check to see if Nelson moved to the bull yard. It looked like they had him over there in a closed off portion with Shanti and Thai the other day.

It could also mean that they're breeding again, if Thai is being paired with a female. Of course, they could have just had Shanti over to help with the transition.

 

[Jambo]

If anyone visits the Houston Zoo soon, check to see if Nelson moved to the bull yard. It looked like they had him over there in a closed off portion with Shanti and Thai the other day.

It could also mean that they're breeding again, if Thai is being paired with a female. Of course, they could have just had Shanti over to help with the transition.

Nelson's not even three yet, so I doubt he'd be transitioning into the bachelor group just yet. I'd say its very likely they're attempting to breed Shanti again. It's been almost three years since she last gave birth, so it's good timing if they want her to conceive in the Winter of 2024/25.

 

[nczoofan]

Nelson's not even three yet, so I doubt he'd be transitioning into the bachelor group just yet. I'd say its very likely they're attempting to breed Shanti again. It's been almost three years since she last gave birth, so it's good timing if they want her to conceive in the Winter of 2024/25.

Agreed. Due to inbreeding risk Thai is with the herd less than in the past. So I imagine this is a breeding attempt with Shanti.

 

[John Marchwick]

Agreed. Due to inbreeding risk Thai is with the herd less than in the past. So I imagine this is a breeding attempt with Shanti.

How much space can Houston hold elephant wise?

 

[nczoofan]

How much space can Houston hold elephant wise?

How many elephants you mean? They seem pretty maxed out currently so I doubt any other adult elephants. Space wise the exhibit is fairly sizable but nothing to write home about. They plan to in their master plan expand the main yard a little bit when the reptile house is replaced.

 

[Jambo]

Agreed. Due to inbreeding risk Thai is with the herd less than in the past. So I imagine this is a breeding attempt with Shanti.

Defenitely to prevent inbreeding. They can no longer just mix Thai with the girls anymore (especially with Tupelo and now, Joy, beginning to cycle).

How much space can Houston hold elephant wise?

They currently have twelve elephants, so assuming there's no further moves, they could probably afford to have another two or three elephants before they get around max. I think we'll see some bull moves soon; it would be good to move Tucker into a breeding situation, and the same can be said for Baylor and Duncan too.

Houston will need to split their herd eventually too, but I imagine they can afford to hold this off for at least another five years or so. Such a move is imminent though.

 

[John Marchwick]

Defenitely to prevent inbreeding. They can no longer just mix Thai with the girls anymore (especially with Tupelo and now, Joy, beginning to cycle).

They currently have twelve elephants, so assuming there's no further moves, they could probably afford to have another two or three elephants before they get around max. I think we'll see some bull moves soon; it would be good to move Tucker into a breeding situation, and the same can be said for Baylor and Duncan too.

Houston will need to split their herd eventually too, but I imagine they can afford to hold this off for at least another five years or so. Such a move is imminent though.

I thought elephants don’t start cycling until they’re 8? Isn’t Joy only 5 years old still? And wouldn’t Baylor and Duncan be better off in a bachelor herd?