North American Asian Elephant Population 2025

MidwestFan said:
Plan to visit Columbus for first time in October and hoping to see 2 calves integrated!
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It will be busy time with the Quarter Horse Congress going on so prepare for tons of traffic.

Its been 20 plus years since I have been to Columbus.

When you go, please take plenty pics and post a report!
 
Sundara’s calf at Columbus Zoo has been named Rita Jean!

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on Instagram: "The baby elephant has a name! Meet…Rita Jean! This name honors the late Rita Jean Wolfe, a beloved member of the Wolfe family—a family whose legacy has been deeply intertwined with the Zoo’s history for more than a century. In 1926, the Wolfe family encouraged the City of Columbus to develop its own zoo, contributed funds for the first-ever habitat, and helped bring the Zoo’s first animals (reindeer!) in 1927, beginning a legacy of support that has shaped the Zoo’s growth ever since. Rita Jean Wolfe embodied the same qualities we see in our elephants—strength, resilience, and boundless compassion. Known for her humor, positivity, and deep care for both people and wildlife, she touched countless lives through her work with WBNS, the Dispatch Printing Company, and her service on numerous nonprofit boards. She advocated for those in need, championed animal wellbeing, and worked tirelessly to raise awareness about causes that were important to her. Now, her legacy will be carried forward by one very special elephant calf and the rest of our Asian elephant herd at the Columbus Zoo. Baby Rita Jean represents hope, love, and compassion—the same gifts Rita gave so freely to her community. We are so grateful for the joy and excitement our community has shared since the calf’s arrival, and for the many thoughtful name suggestions you sent our way. While Rita Jean’s name was chosen to honor a remarkable woman, every idea reflected the love you feel for our elephant family, and we can’t wait to share each new milestone with you as she grows."
 
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IndianRhino said:
Sundara’s calf at Columbus Zoo has been named Rita Jean!

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on Instagram: "The baby elephant has a name! Meet…Rita Jean! This name honors the late Rita Jean Wolfe, a beloved member of the Wolfe family—a family whose legacy has been deeply intertwined with the Zoo’s history for more than a century. In 1926, the Wolfe family encouraged the City of Columbus to develop its own zoo, contributed funds for the first-ever habitat, and helped bring the Zoo’s first animals (reindeer!) in 1927, beginning a legacy of support that has shaped the Zoo’s growth ever since. Rita Jean Wolfe embodied the same qualities we see in our elephants—strength, resilience, and boundless compassion. Known for her humor, positivity, and deep care for both people and wildlife, she touched countless lives through her work with WBNS, the Dispatch Printing Company, and her service on numerous nonprofit boards. She advocated for those in need, championed animal wellbeing, and worked tirelessly to raise awareness about causes that were important to her. Now, her legacy will be carried forward by one very special elephant calf and the rest of our Asian elephant herd at the Columbus Zoo. Baby Rita Jean represents hope, love, and compassion—the same gifts Rita gave so freely to her community. We are so grateful for the joy and excitement our community has shared since the calf’s arrival, and for the many thoughtful name suggestions you sent our way. While Rita Jean’s name was chosen to honor a remarkable woman, every idea reflected the love you feel for our elephant family, and we can’t wait to share each new milestone with you as she grows."
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great name!!!
 
IndianRhino said:
Sundara’s calf at Columbus Zoo has been named Rita Jean!

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on Instagram: "The baby elephant has a name! Meet…Rita Jean! This name honors the late Rita Jean Wolfe, a beloved member of the Wolfe family—a family whose legacy has been deeply intertwined with the Zoo’s history for more than a century. In 1926, the Wolfe family encouraged the City of Columbus to develop its own zoo, contributed funds for the first-ever habitat, and helped bring the Zoo’s first animals (reindeer!) in 1927, beginning a legacy of support that has shaped the Zoo’s growth ever since. Rita Jean Wolfe embodied the same qualities we see in our elephants—strength, resilience, and boundless compassion. Known for her humor, positivity, and deep care for both people and wildlife, she touched countless lives through her work with WBNS, the Dispatch Printing Company, and her service on numerous nonprofit boards. She advocated for those in need, championed animal wellbeing, and worked tirelessly to raise awareness about causes that were important to her. Now, her legacy will be carried forward by one very special elephant calf and the rest of our Asian elephant herd at the Columbus Zoo. Baby Rita Jean represents hope, love, and compassion—the same gifts Rita gave so freely to her community. We are so grateful for the joy and excitement our community has shared since the calf’s arrival, and for the many thoughtful name suggestions you sent our way. While Rita Jean’s name was chosen to honor a remarkable woman, every idea reflected the love you feel for our elephant family, and we can’t wait to share each new milestone with you as she grows."
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Interesting choice! I have to say it's too human for my taste, just "Rita" rolls off the tounge better imo. But not the worst they could've gone with (*cough cough* Schaefer the Giraffe *cough cough*)!
 
Frankie_number_1_fan said:
Interesting choice! I have to say it's too human for my taste, just "Rita" rolls off the tounge better imo. But not the worst they could've gone with (*cough cough* Schaefer the Giraffe *cough cough*)!
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Yeah I’ve never been the biggest fan of Columbus’ names for their baby animals I’m not going to lie. Frankie was already not my favorite name, and this is also definitely an interesting choice :p

Regardless, they’ve named the calf after an important figure in the zoo’s history so I won’t complain too much. Maybe the next calf will have a more elephant-appropriate name! Still feels unreal that Columbus is having two calves in such a short time period, fingers crossed all goes well with little Rita as well as her incoming half-sibling.
 
IndianRhino said:
Yeah I’ve never been the biggest fan of Columbus’ names for their baby animals I’m not going to lie. Frankie was already not my favorite name, and this is also definitely an interesting choice :p

Regardless, they’ve named the calf after an important figure in the zoo’s history so I won’t complain too much. Maybe the next calf will have a more elephant-appropriate name! Still feels unreal that Columbus is having two calves in such a short time period, fingers crossed all goes well with little Rita as well as her incoming half-sibling.
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Frankie definitely grew on me, but even that is a step above Rita Jean! :p Reminds me of Amelia Grey the Polar Bear years back, I hated her name when that was announced. Hopefully this one will grow on me too
 
IndianRhino said:
Sundara’s calf at Columbus Zoo has been named Rita Jean!

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on Instagram: "The baby elephant has a name! Meet…Rita Jean! This name honors the late Rita Jean Wolfe, a beloved member of the Wolfe family—a family whose legacy has been deeply intertwined with the Zoo’s history for more than a century. In 1926, the Wolfe family encouraged the City of Columbus to develop its own zoo, contributed funds for the first-ever habitat, and helped bring the Zoo’s first animals (reindeer!) in 1927, beginning a legacy of support that has shaped the Zoo’s growth ever since. Rita Jean Wolfe embodied the same qualities we see in our elephants—strength, resilience, and boundless compassion. Known for her humor, positivity, and deep care for both people and wildlife, she touched countless lives through her work with WBNS, the Dispatch Printing Company, and her service on numerous nonprofit boards. She advocated for those in need, championed animal wellbeing, and worked tirelessly to raise awareness about causes that were important to her. Now, her legacy will be carried forward by one very special elephant calf and the rest of our Asian elephant herd at the Columbus Zoo. Baby Rita Jean represents hope, love, and compassion—the same gifts Rita gave so freely to her community. We are so grateful for the joy and excitement our community has shared since the calf’s arrival, and for the many thoughtful name suggestions you sent our way. While Rita Jean’s name was chosen to honor a remarkable woman, every idea reflected the love you feel for our elephant family, and we can’t wait to share each new milestone with you as she grows."
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Kinda was hoping that they'd stick to Sanskrit names, considering her mother's name, Sundara, however, I think Rita is a good name, it's just the Jean that throws me off :p
 
IndianRhino said:
Yeah I’ve never been the biggest fan of Columbus’ names for their baby animals I’m not going to lie. Frankie was already not my favorite name, and this is also definitely an interesting choice :p

Regardless, they’ve named the calf after an important figure in the zoo’s history so I won’t complain too much. Maybe the next calf will have a more elephant-appropriate name! Still feels unreal that Columbus is having two calves in such a short time period, fingers crossed all goes well with little Rita as well as her incoming half-sibling.
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and don’t forget “Ellie” that’s more plain than anything else!
 
Yassa said:
Rita Jean for an elephant is just horrible. I am speechless.
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Columbus has hsd a habit of naming their recent calves like they're going to stay cute babies forever. It's going to be funny seeing a 20-year-old tusked bull named "Frankie". At the very least with "Rita Jean" she'll eventually grow back into the name as a geriatric animal :p
I personally was really rooting for an "S" name. Completely missed oppertunity.
 
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