Both older males Rex and Kandula are out of the question and Bowie is the confirmed sire to the new calf? Erstwhile, it was thought Rex was the sire (perhaps not now). Evidenced source?
North American Asian Elephant Population 2024
- Thread starter E Maximus
- Start date
It was confirmed by the zoo themselves on a variety of social posts regarding Anchara's pregnancy. Bowie must have been the only male she was with when she conceived, hence their confidence in him being the sire.
Rex is her father too, so they wouldn't breed her with him.
Jonathan Petersson
Well-Known Member
Does anyone have any updated information about 0.1 Aree at White Oak? She was not mentioned on their recent USDA inspection and I've heard rumors that she passed away but no trusted confirmation.
OK, ...
(0.1) Asian elephant Rosie passed away at Busch Gardens Tampa in Florida at age 54.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Frankie_number_1_fan
Well-Known Member
Wow we're loosing a lot of old girls this year! This is the fourth death in three weeks!
Frankie_number_1_fan
Well-Known Member
Is this USDA inspection public to view? If so would you be willing to send the link to it?
This isn't so much population related as it is holder-related. San Antonio Zoo's new Vice President of Animal Care, Daryl Hoffman, has a significant amount of experience working with Asian elephants - and the zoo makes it no secret that they're serious about bringing them back.
San Antonio Zoo on Instagram: "San Antonio Zoo is excited to announce that Daryl Hoffman will begin his role as the new Vice President of Animal Care at the start of 2025. Daryl fills a position that was previously held by Alan Kardon for 48 years until his retirement earlier this year. With over 30 years of distinguished experience in animal care and conservation, Hoffman’s appointment represents a significant milestone for the zoo. His leadership will be instrumental as the zoo prepares to introduce a world-class gorilla habitat and continues its ambitious master plan, including the anticipated return of Asian Elephants. Daryl Hoffman joins San Antonio Zoo from Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, where as Vice President of Living Collections, he was instrumental in overseeing animal care at the zoo and the International Conservation Center. His extensive expertise in managing large mammals and their habitats, including developing award-winning habitats and his pivotal role in establishing one of North America’s most successful Asian Elephant breeding programs, positions him as a leading figure in animal care and conservation. Prior to his time in Pittsburg, Daryl spent 16 years as the Curator of Large Mammals at Houston Zoo, and before that, Daryl spent 15 years at the Buffalo Zoo as a Lead Keeper for Elephant/Rhino/Sea Lion. Hoffman has played a crucial role in global elephant conservation as a board member of the International Elephant Foundation and Executive Director of the Elephant Managers Association. His contributions have also been widely recognized and respected as an instructor for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and representation in various elephant conservation committees. Under Hoffman’s leadership, the zoo is poised to advance its much-anticipated master plan, expanding the zoo’s footprint across 281 and reinforcing its dedication to providing educational and enriching experiences for visitors and exemplary care for its animal residents. The upcoming introduction of gorillas at Congo Falls is just the beginning of exciting developments on the horizon for San Antonio Zoo."
San Antonio Zoo on Instagram: "San Antonio Zoo is excited to announce that Daryl Hoffman will begin his role as the new Vice President of Animal Care at the start of 2025. Daryl fills a position that was previously held by Alan Kardon for 48 years until his retirement earlier this year. With over 30 years of distinguished experience in animal care and conservation, Hoffman’s appointment represents a significant milestone for the zoo. His leadership will be instrumental as the zoo prepares to introduce a world-class gorilla habitat and continues its ambitious master plan, including the anticipated return of Asian Elephants. Daryl Hoffman joins San Antonio Zoo from Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, where as Vice President of Living Collections, he was instrumental in overseeing animal care at the zoo and the International Conservation Center. His extensive expertise in managing large mammals and their habitats, including developing award-winning habitats and his pivotal role in establishing one of North America’s most successful Asian Elephant breeding programs, positions him as a leading figure in animal care and conservation. Prior to his time in Pittsburg, Daryl spent 16 years as the Curator of Large Mammals at Houston Zoo, and before that, Daryl spent 15 years at the Buffalo Zoo as a Lead Keeper for Elephant/Rhino/Sea Lion. Hoffman has played a crucial role in global elephant conservation as a board member of the International Elephant Foundation and Executive Director of the Elephant Managers Association. His contributions have also been widely recognized and respected as an instructor for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and representation in various elephant conservation committees. Under Hoffman’s leadership, the zoo is poised to advance its much-anticipated master plan, expanding the zoo’s footprint across 281 and reinforcing its dedication to providing educational and enriching experiences for visitors and exemplary care for its animal residents. The upcoming introduction of gorillas at Congo Falls is just the beginning of exciting developments on the horizon for San Antonio Zoo."
is this the same guy that worked at Tucson or Houston with elephants in full contact? The name sounds familiar.
He did previously work with elephants at Houston, I believe he was a curator there for a long period.
Yup! 16 years as Curator of Large Mammals at Houston. On a side note, I genuinely don't know if it's showing up on the computer, but on my phone the embedded link also shows the whole caption from Instagram.
Jonathan Petersson
Well-Known Member
Yes all USDA inspection reports are public for people within in the US and White Oak's can be found with the following link: APHIS Public Search Tool
The report lists the following individuals: Alana, Angelica, April, Asha, Asia, Barak, Bonnie, Casie, Emma, Gunther, Icky, Irvin, Juliette, Kelly, Kumari, Luna, Mable, Masala, Myrtle, Osgood, Piper, PT, Sammy, Sara, Shirley, Tikka, Tonka, and Vance which is 28 the current number at White Oak. The four females that White Oak owns that are not on property on not on the list just as a heads up. From what I have gathered those elephants are Baby, Cora, Sally, and Siam but others on this cite most likely know more then I do.
A little while back I was asked for an updated list of Endangered Ark Foundation's individuals which is currently made of 23 animals, 3 males and 20 females, making it the second largest herd in the US after White Oak. The males are Tommy, Obert, and Cameron Lee and the females are Susie, Atla, Zola, Lillie, Libby, Isa, Viola, Isla, Becky, Lisa, Margaret, Delrita, Kelly, Traci, Whimpy, Bunny, Chang, Lulu, Val, and Dori Marie.
Frankie_number_1_fan
Well-Known Member
Thank you for the update!
It does look like Aree has indeed passed away. I strongly doubt they'd move her elsewhere without her daughter, Tikka.
Jonathan Petersson
Well-Known Member
Yes White Oak is actively breeding their elephants and has had four born since the elephant arrived. There is a chance more could have been born since July and it's highly likely that a few of their cows are currently pregnant. In the SSP plan that got released a while back it also recommends Tucker from Denver to move to White Oak to breed with their cows so we will have to see if that actually pans out or not but at the moment Casey is their breeding bull.
Frankie_number_1_fan
Well-Known Member
Iirc, Tucker doesn't currently have any breeding reccomendation at White Oak, just a reccomendation to move there. Likely to eventually fill Casey's spot as a breeding bull when he inevitably passes away/is no longer able to breed. He is in his 50s after all. Houston stated back in May that there were no current plans to move Tucker, so likely that move wouldn't happen for a few years at least.
Jonathan Petersson
Well-Known Member
Good to know also just realized that I said Tucker was at Denver so apologies on my end there I was mixing him up with Baylor.
Frankie_number_1_fan
Well-Known Member
Young males Kabir and Sanjay at the Cincinnati Zoo have received the mRNA EEHV vaccine! They are the 7th and 8th elephants to receive it. It looks like we might finally be turning a corner!