Smithsonian National Zoo Smithsonian National Zoo News 2014

That is a great question. I guess I have never spent time observing the elephants to notice the matriarch. Ambika is the oldest, but I wouldn't say she's the dominant one. Something tells me with time, Bozie might fit the role. However, I am not sure what will happen when new females are introduced to the herd.
 
In my reasoning, there is nothing ruling out Bozie possible producing another calf. Sure, she's 39 and not of ideal age associated with reproducing females but to be realistic and honest, there aren't many viable reproductive females left. And the ones that are will be females we will have to wait to reproduce once the reach he appropriate age, meaning all of the other females will have sadly passed.
However, back to Bozie. Sure her last calf was a while ago but, (not for sure) but I'm assuming she has no cysts in her reproductive tract or any other aliments that otherwise would not allow her to conceive. Take Rasha at Fort Worth for example. She was 43 and had her newest calf over this past summer and her last calf was Bluebonnet 16 years ago.
I believe it could be done, and then to also hear the rumors Shanti was artificially inseminated disapproves any doubt. However IF any breeding attempts were made with these two females, Bozie and Shanti, i believe now is the time.

On regards of the bull, I'm honestly glad Spike went to Tampa, theres a reproductively viable female there who will provide spike to pass his genes into another gene pool other than sending him to Washington and breeding with Rani again. I've somewhat lost hope in that pairing. But Washington's Zoo is our National Zoo and notoriously known for their conservation work, if any Zoo were to sucessfully import a Bull i believe it would be them.
If captive populations were their only option, I believe Kanduala should be sent off to breed elsewhere as he will be related to Shanti, Rani, and Kamala. If i could choose i would send him to ABQ, and send 1 of ABQ's bulls to OKC.

Sorry again, these are just some of my thoughts on their situation. I'm interested on what all will unfold in the future.
 
I dont think we can know what the future will hold. My guess would be the zoo is waiting to get Calgary's ladies in the spring and start the intros before really pushing for anything. They kind of need to get to know the girls before picking a bull who will make a good fit not just genetically but socially. Dont need a bull who they are less likely to take a liking too. Plus if there is a calf due from Rani they might also want to see how that goes. Not too much they can do until the girls are there. But that day keeps moving closer and closer.
 
I heard Kavi, the male Sumatran tiger, went back to Zoo Atlanta this weekend. There he will breed with the female.
 
Moving him back to breed makes sense if hes particularly genetically vaulable. Not like he can breed again at the zoo for another two years ish anyway while the cubs are being raised. Might as well go home and back to his previous mate until its cub time again... if hes deemed the best match when the zoo is ready for breeding again.
 
Yes, with the lion cubs now and the possibility of having to separate the pride, this will be more suitable for the cats as tigers can get one exhibit, and the lions the remaining two.
 
TZFan said:
There is rumor that Maharani might be coming to the zoo pregnant already by her former mate Spike. Breeding was observed according to someone on the Calgary forum a couple months after the premature stillborn birth of her last calf, late in 2012. I cant say shes pregnant definitely but there is a chance. She was with Spike until his departure and breeding could have taken place any time until he left.
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I can confirm that Maharani was intermittently placed with Spike, in a manner that would imply reproductive intent by the management of the elephant team (i.e. the other two cows were not present). Breeding was also observed, given the estrus cycle of elephants (seven months between ovulation) some of these could have been recreational. But I think the odds she will arrive pregnant are high. The zoo(s) are probably remaining hush hush about it because of the relatively early stage of pregnancy and the complications which could occur during transport.
She could be anywhere from 6-15 months pregnant (I'm assuming closer to 6)
 
I would also think they would be hush hush given the fact that Rani's last calf died at least a week before his stillbirth and her past mothering history. There are too many factors at play for them to risk saying anything until much closer to a possible due date. And if you were the National Zoo you would probably like to wait to make an announcement anyway until shes safely in your hands, she and baby are checked over by your vet, successfully make the transition to the zoo and possibly wait until they are offically on display. Depending on how far along she is I could see them making the announcement at the girls offical debut to the public. Get everyone excited about them and visiting leading up to the birth. Although I could also see them remaining quiet until the safe delivery just because of Rani's past. Maybe not wanting to get everyone excited about a baby that if history repeats itself may not live. In the end we wont find out for certain until the zoo decides the time is right or the possible window for a pregnancy passes with no birth... At the latest probably September 2015.
 
The lion cub cam is going off line temporarily as Naba and the cubs have switched to a den without a cam. However Shera is due any time now and they will have it back up hopefully with healthy new cubs to watch.

Great Cat Exhibit - National Zoo
 
One of the two litters of cheetah cubs is now being hand reared. Ally who gave birth to four cubs in the fall was behaving strangely with the cubs and when one was looking poorly they found puncture wounds in it and a severe infection. That cub had to be put down and when they checked on the other cubs they found them to be in similar rough shape so they were pulled. Luckily they have survived and the zoo is hoping to foster them out to Miti who gave birth to 6 of her own around the same time.

http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/News/2013cheetahcubs.cfm
 
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In the announcement about Shera's newborns they also announced the Naba's twins are girls.

I wonder what the future will hold for the zoo's pride once these 6 grow. Luke is already a father of 13. Naba a mother of 5 while sister Shera a mother of 8. Luke might be packing his bags once these cubs are grown or the whole pride will be retired from breeding.
 
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