With the death of several elephant calves from EEHV, the future of the Chester Zoo’s elephant breeding program is uncertain. The Chester Zoo has been very successful in the reproduction of Asian elephants. Since 2006, nine elephant calves have been born. Sadly, seven of those nine have succumbed to EEHV. Given the current circumstances, the Chester Zoo should consider one of the following two options to ensure the viability of their elephant breeding program:
Option 1: Maintain the current herd dynamics and continue to breed the current herd of elephants.
Despite the passing of Sithami, Nandita, and Aayu, the Chester Zoo should continue to breed the current herd. The current herd now includes 1.0 Aung Bo, 0.1 Maya, 0.1 Thi Hi Way, 0.1 Sundara, 0.1 Indali, and 1.0 Anjan. The future of Chester Zoo’s elephant breeding program rest upon Sundara as Maya is post reproductive, Thi Hi Way is no longer being bred, and Indali is too young to be bred. Since Sundara is the only breeding female, the Chester Zoo will only be able to produce a calf every few years. It’s not practical to breed a single female in an elephant breeding program but the Chester Zoo has no other option if they wish to continue breeding the current herd. Ultimately, the Chester Zoo will have to grow the herd through Sundara as she’s the only reproductively viable female.
Option 2: Relocate the current herd of elephants to another institution and acquire a new breeding herd.
Despite the success of the current breeding herd, the Chester Zoo should relocate the current herd and acquire a new breeding herd. Nine elephant calves have been born since 2006 but seven of those nine have succumbed to EEHV. Because of the high mortality rate in their elephant calves, the Chester Zoo should relocate the current herd of elephants to another institution. Since the current herd has lost a significant number of herd members from EEHV, the Hi Way herd should be transferred to a non breeding facility. By transferring the Hi Way herd to another facility, it’ll enable the Chester Zoo to acquire a new breeding herd. The acquisition of a new breeding herd will enable the Chester Zoo to breed a herd of elephants that are not affected by EEHV. Ultimately, the Chester Zoo will need to relocate the current herd and acquire a new breeding herd to establish a successful breeding program.
Ultimately, the Chester Zoo should continue to participate in the reproduction of Asian elephants as their breeding program has been very successful. The next few years will determine whether the Chester Zoo will continue to breed the current herd of elephants or relocate the current herd of elephants and acquire a new breeding herd.
