Taronga Western Plains Zoo Thong Dee's Calf (2016)

This is probably a long way down the track. Breeding programmes for long lived species with big intergenerational gaps and large birth intervals (eg. white rhino and elephant) tend to follow a breeding programme of exhausting all foudner option (Gung, Putra Mas and Bong Su), before then looking at males from the first generation (Luk Chai etc.). These first generation males are usually bred later in life, while the necessity of breeding cows at a young age (for reproductive and biological reasons) mean that breeding of first generation females cannot be delayed in the same way. Any of these females can still be bred to one of the two founder males that is not their father.
 
Sabai is six months old

Sabai is six months old!

Introduction with Luk Chai have gone well and they are enjoying spending time with each other. There are plans to introduce Pathi Harn when Sabai is older and more robust.
 
First birthday for Asian Elephant calf Sabai

First birthday for Asian Elephant calf Sabai

Taronga Western Plains Zoo’s Asian Elephant calf, Sabai, has reached his first major milestone – turning one year old on 2 November 2017.

To celebrate his first birthday, Keepers have prepared a giant-sized iceblock and fruit for Sabai to enjoy on exhibit alongside Thong Dee, and his aunty, Porntip – fitting treats for Sabai’s playful demeanour.

“Sabai is the first Asian Elephant calf ever to be born at Taronga Western Plains Zoo. His arrival to experienced mother, Thong Dee, was very exciting for us,” Keeper Bobby Jo Vial said.

“We’re really pleased with his development over the past year. He currently weighs 568 kilograms, and is putting on around 10 kilograms per week.

“He’s very playful and curious, and one of his favourite pastimes is chasing the Guinea Fowl and Apostlebirds on exhibit. He loves the water and most days he enjoys a splash in the Elephant pool.

“He has a special bond with not only his mother, but also his aunty, Porntip. Sabai regularly runs back and forth between the two as he plays. The Elephant herd here is very family orientated, and Porntip has always been very attentive and caring towards Sabai,” Bobby Jo said.

Sabai’s older brother, eight-year-old Luk Chai, also shares Sabai’s exhibit from time to time. Despite his massive size compared to Sabai, Luk Chai is always gentle towards his younger brother.

Sabai gets a scrub every morning as part of the bathing routine for all of the Elephants at Taronga Western Plains Zoo. The Elephants are cleaned, and their feet and teeth checked, but it’s also a great time for strengthening the close bond between Keeper and Elephant.

Following a bath, Sabai copies his family’s behaviour and covers himself in dirt. This acts as a natural sunscreen and insect repellent, and helps the Elephants to cool down in warmer months.

Sabai can be seen on exhibit with his mother, Thong Dee, and aunty, Porntip, who is confirmed pregnant and due to give birth in July next year. The best time to see Sabai is at the Elephant Keeper Talk, at 11.45am daily.
 
Sabai a growing boy

Sabai a growing boy!


Sabai is becoming quite an independent and outgoing Asian Elephant. He now weighs 880kgs and will turn two years old in November. When he was born he weighed just 101kgs, so he’s done a lot of growing over the past year and a half.

Sabai is often spotted on exhibit searching for food, playing with logs, chasing birds or talking to the other elephants. Mainly talking with his father Gung or older brother Luk Chai, through an adjoining fence. Although if he gets spooked, he will vocalise and his mum or aunty will come running.

Sabai is still drinking milk from his mother but is really loving solid food as well. He particularly likes hay, carrots, apples, logs and branches. Sabai is a not fan corn though, if a keeper places a piece on his tongue he will take it out with his trunk and throw it over his shoulder!

Like most elephants, Sabai loves the water and enjoys playing in the pool especially in the warmer months and having a warm bath in the barn in winter. When he was younger he use to splash around in a large water trough that keepers would fill up for him to use as a pool. Now he is bigger he is content with using the pools on exhibit.

Keepers are looking forward to watching Sabai getting the chance to play with Kanlaya, the Zoo’s most recent elephant calf, as she gets older. He is already very curious and interested in her, and mum Porntip often has to remind him to be gentle around her.
 
Sabai Turns Two

Sabai turns two!

Taronga Western Plains Zoo’s Asian elephant calf Sabai turned two years old on the 2 November.

Sabai is growing into a very confident young calf and currently weighs just over 1000 kilograms. Sabai is still nursing from mum Thong Dee, but is also eating the same foods as the adults which includes a variety of tree branches, hay, fruit and vegetables.

Sabai has recently been learning the morning bath routine which is something we do with the adult elephants every day. This is useful for building bonds and strong relationships with the keepers, which is extremely important for his development and healthcare. Sabai is very enthusiastic with his training and enjoys learning new behaviours.

Sabai spends his day with mum Thong Dee, Aunty Porntip and young cousin Kanlaya. The elephants are rotated into different paddocks every day, allowing Sabai time to interact with all the other elephants, including his dad Gung and older brother Luk Chai who is nine years old.

Sabai has recently taken on the role of big brother with Kanlaya who is just over four months old now. As Kanlaya is growing and gaining confidence, she is spending more time interacting and playing with Sabai. Sabai also likes interacting with our oldest elephant Burma who is 62 years old, and they will often spend hours chasing each other up and down the fence line during the day.
 
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