North American Asian Elephant Population 2024

I think this was likely a case of Columbus being ambitious with their timing and things just aren't prepared yet. They claimed the new yard would be ready by the beginning of October, but it wasn't done until November. I spoke to Columbus' CEO and he was "confident" Raja would be here before the new year...while the keepers stated there wasn't a set timeline.
Columbus has technically had space for him, even before Johnson's arrival, so it's likely now a mix of crate training logistics, behavior of both herds (with a calf freshly on the ground Saint Louis might not want to risk sending a stressor through the group, How introductions between Johnson and Columbus' girls are going, etc.) and weather.
His departure is a decision on St Louis’ end Columbus has been ready for his arrival for some time however are more than happy to wait as Johnson is much more “Rowdy” compared to Sabu with the girls.
 
His departure is a decision on St Louis’ end Columbus has been ready for his arrival for some time however are more than happy to wait as Johnson is much more “Rowdy” compared to Sabu with the girls.
Would explain why I haven't seen Johnson mixed too often with the girls then! I was beginning to wonder.
 
Isn’t Johnson an experienced bull? They would want him to be “rowdy” if they want calves?
He is, albeit he has only ever been around one group of cows prior to Columbus.

I guess there is nothing wrong with a 'rowdy' bull, I've never known Johnson to be of that nature but perhaps the new cows are exciting him which is certainly a positive.

Conversely, Columbus's cows may not be used to a bull of this nature. Sabu as has been said is a relatively docile bull, and so was Hank. So to be around a more 'dominant' so to speak, bull may be a new thing that the cows are having to get used to.
 
He is, albeit he has only ever been around one group of cows prior to Columbus.

I guess there is nothing wrong with a 'rowdy' bull, I've never known Johnson to be of that nature but perhaps the new cows are exciting him which is certainly a positive.

Conversely, Columbus's cows may not be used to a bull of this nature. Sabu as has been said is a relatively docile bull, and so was Hank. So to be around a more 'dominant' so to speak, bull may be a new thing that the cows are having to get used to.

yeah. Maybe “rowdy” is not exactly the best term for it but the best they could come up with. I am sure it will all work fine.
 
yeah. Maybe “rowdy” is not exactly the best term for it but the best they could come up with. I am sure it will all work fine.
It took Columbus' cows (IE Rudy) a little bit to get used to Sabu too. It wouldn't surprise me in the least if she's the most uncomfortable around him. And since she's the only one who needs to get pregnant right now, her rejecting him and being unresponsive to his dominant advances would be a clear issue.
 
It took Columbus' cows (IE Rudy) a little bit to get used to Sabu too. It wouldn't surprise me in the least if she's the most uncomfortable around him. And since she's the only one who needs to get pregnant right now, her rejecting him and being unresponsive to his dominant advances would be a clear issue.
You are correct however the advances he’s made that I’ve witnessed aren’t dominant at all. It’s like he’s a little bull again and he wants to play and push so his presence sets Rudy off which causes her to run and he chases her. When he’s not chasing her it’s as if she’s scared of him and she avoids him at all costs which considering she’s been around bulls before and even let them mount and breed her, it is quite weird she’s behaving in this manner. It’s very uncharacteristic of a mature cow in my opinion. I personally think it’s just a case of her not liking him at least for now. Regardless her clock is ticking but I have confidence that if he doesn’t do the job a bull like Raja will come in and get it done quite quickly.
 
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As mentioned in another thread by @StellarChaser African Lion Safari apparently imported a new bull elephant from Europe earlier this year.

who is the bull?
Pure speculation, but it was mentioned back in April that male Chandru (2017) at Ostrava was being crate trained for an upcoming move. Since then, nothing has been announced re. progress.

Aside from him, there really isn't any other stand out candidates. All other bulls who should be on the move have designated destinations already.
 
He is Johnson's half brother. Idk why they would import him.
Yes very unlikely it would be him. He would be breeding with his nieces! Not like ALS is a stranger to inbreeding, but importing a related bull would certianly be a strange choice and not one I see the EEP being for. It wouldn't be anyone from the Motek/Warda line either considering Lily and her daughters.
 
Pure speculation, but it was mentioned back in April that male Chandru (2017) at Ostrava was being crate trained for an upcoming move. Since then, nothing has been announced re. progress.

Aside from him, there really isn't any other stand out candidates. All other bulls who should be on the move have designated destinations already.
Accourding the plans Chandru will move to Veszprém after Nuka leaves Veszprém Zoo(planned to fall 2024). There 3-4 planned bull movings which EEP annouced to this fall, but they haven't happen till now.
 
Very sad news, another dagger into ABQ's breeding program.

Luckily, Rozie's still 32 so she has the time to still build up a sizeable matriline - I'm sure they will look at breeding from her again soon, once she is in the right physical condition.

Let's just hope next time around, everything goes well. My thoughts are with ABQ's keepers who were really looking forward to this after the bumps they've encountered in recent years.
 
Given the emotional intelligence of elephants, is there a needed period of emotional recovery?
 
Very sad news, another dagger into ABQ's breeding program.

Luckily, Rozie's still 32 so she has the time to still build up a sizeable matriline - I'm sure they will look at breeding from her again soon, once she is in the right physical condition.

Let's just hope next time around, everything goes well. My thoughts are with ABQ's keepers who were really looking forward to this after the bumps they've encountered in recent years.
ABQ and Oregon are right on-par with tragedy after tragedy to their programs. It is nothing short of devastating to watch blooming herds be shot down. I really hope ABQ is able to turn things around, Rozie is a valuable female whose genes are completely underrepresented.
 
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