As I was heading home from work the other day, it occurred to me that my average day is anything but average. Maybe that’s why I love this job so much! (Read Rick’s previous blog, Where’s that Elephant Odyssey Ambassador?)
During a meeting today at the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park, I walked in elephant footprints as I traversed the Asian elephant exhibit. Navigating the terrain, mud and grass weren’t the only natural obstacles, if you know what I mean. There is a certain primordial feel one gets when walking in the footsteps of such magnificent animals.
I have watched the elephants many times from the public observation areas before. However, I really got a better appreciation for how massive these animals are once I was on their level. Not only are the impressions in the soft soil something to admire, but I was also able to get a better idea for just how big their enrichment and log toys really are. Everything is on such a grand scale with elephants; you start to feel a little minuscule and almost insignificant in comparison.
My next meeting for the day was scheduled in Albert’s Restaurant at the San Diego Zoo. How many people can say they walk by flamingos on their way to a meeting? Better yet, how many people get to walk through a beautiful rain forest and past two young gorillas playing tag? For those of you not familiar with Albert’s, it is just past the Gorilla Tropics habitat, nestled in a very green and lush landscaped area. It is truly a perfect little get away of a restaurant that just so happens to be in the middle of the San Diego Zoo! (When you go there, be sure to read how Albert’s got its name.)
As I finished my day, I stopped by the Zoo’s elephant exhibit (pictured above) to watch Devi, Tembo, and Sumithi play with their enrichment items. I consider it another meeting with coworkers! Honestly, I can say this is an important part of my job, checking up on how the animals and keepers are doing. I also took a moment to stop by the anteater exhibit to see if I could catch a glimpse of the baby riding around on mom’s back. If you haven’t seen this, you really ought to head over there to check it out.
All in all, it was a very productive day as I set up future talks and presentations about Elephant Odyssey and stopped to look in on some of the animals. I think the next presentation will be Saturday evening for the Spring Member Appreciation Dinner (at Albert’s, of course!), so if you are there, please be sure you say “Hello.”
Rick Schwartz is the San Diego Zoo’s Elephant Odyssey Ambassador.
Do you have a new Baby Yet?
I see on the what’s new at the zoo page, that a baby elephant was born today! Congrats! I’m wondering what the naming process is for elephants. I suppose no online poll, like we get to do for panda babies.
Rick your job really sounds fun. I wanted to ask you if the elephant odyssey is just for the asian elephants, or also for the african also. Have you been around the keepers and vets when they make the elephants lift their feet and lay down to be checked? If not, that is one of the things I get so thrilled watching. Today they pulled us in close to the camera to see and I faithfully watched, it was great, I still can’t reconize all the elepphants, but some I do. There was a little one, a middle baby and a mother in the back end of the circle enclosure that I watched. I am wondering why when the big doors get closed, are there always a couple elephants that get caught back there. I think when keepers leave, they should just leave the doors open, so they can get out. When they get stuck in there, I don’t think they can get a drink or food, can they? Thanks for your information, that you share with us web cam people.
WOW!!! What a surprise!! I did not know that Umgani was going to have another baby elephant so soon! Congrats to Ungani and to the elephant keepers at WAP! I was expecting either Swazi or Lungile to have a baby elephant soon. I wonder how Khosi is doing with a new brother with her mom now? Can’t believe that Khosi will be 3 years old in September! I’m hoping and praying that this newest calf is doing very well with his health, getting plenty of milk from mom, and will not get sick in the way that Lungile’s calf did last year. Get some more pics of all of the elephant kids, especially the new baby, ok? And, let us know what you have named him! Have fun, you all!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
Ah how I envy you. All the fun, and you don’t have to clean up poo
(anymore..)
I just tuned in to the elephant cam in time to see Mum and Baby. What a little cutie he is. Congratulations and hope all goes well.
Rick, just to be funny, the baby elephant was born on Friday the 13th, I hope he will not be named Jason or Freddy from the horror movies. Just kidding, I know he will receive an African name, could not resist the date of birth. Love all you guys and everything you do for the animals. Rick, talk and tell us some things about the new baby.
George – Sorry for the delay in getting back to answering you, but as I am sure you can see, YES! We had a beautiful baby boy on March 13.
Joy – You know, I am not sure what method they will choose for naming this handsome young boy. That is usually left up to the curators – stay tuned!
Betsy – Yes, the training and husbandry work that the keepers do (all protective contact) is amazing. I have been fortunate enough to watch a few training sessions and I never get tired of seeing the bond shared between elephant and keeper. And not to worry: all of the animals have access to food and water – sometimes it is just out of view!
Chari – As far as I can tell, all is going well with the new little boy, mom, and sister. The staff has been working around the clock (literally) to keep a close eye on mom and the kids. I will be visiting with them this week and will fill you all in on what I find out – maybe even snap a picture or two for the blog if I can!
Ally – It has been very fun! And though I don’t miss the poop-scoopin’, I do miss my animal friends sometimes. Thankfully I get to work with them between meetings, appointments, and presentations.
Susan – I know, isn’t he adorable?
Betsy – Ha ha! I see you have a great sense of humor. I’ll let you all know when I find out what the name will be. Speaking of the date of birth, there is something special about March 13 that I will share with you when I have a chance to blog about this handsome young boy. I hope to have something up this week, so stay tuned…
Hi! Just writing to let you all know that I got on the elephant cam today, saw a few elephants out in the yard, and there’s a few dirt spots on the camera lens! The dirt spots are small but it will be nice to see the spots go away so that we can have a much clearer cam view of the elephants! I think I saw the newest baby out in the yard with his mom, too. Couldn’t tell for sure because they were a little bit further away from the cam. Anyway, looking for a new update about the new baby calf ASAP! Have fun, you all!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
As much fun as Khosi had with Punga and Kamile, I am sure she is very excited to be able to spend even more time with her little brother and her mom. Since Ungami is her mother, and Khosi still is young enough that she spends time close to her mom, she will doubtless be around her baby brother even more than Kamile and Punga. It will be interesting to see is she is protective of him more than she was with the others. I am also curious to see how Punga and Muse interact with another baby bull elephant. Do you anticipate any issues with 4 bull elephants in the 12 members of the growing herd? So far there have been 4 males and 3 females (two survived) born in this rapidly growing family. Are any of the other elephant cows pregnant?
Was at the park Sat., and what a wonderful big sister Khosi is! When the Baby slept she stood right by her Mother and stood guard.
Chari – I am working on an update about the baby, I hope to have it up before the weekend! (I’ll see if I can pass the word along about the camera spots)
Margaret – All the kids are doing great! I just saw the family today and all are well. The herd is doing well and we look forward to the continued growth and health of everyone. As for any more pregnancies, not that I know of. But I’ll let you know if I hear anything.
George – I know, isn’t she great. I’m not sure who is more proud; mother or big sister!
I am very happy to hear that a baby boy was born. He is so cute!! My daughter and I are planning to visit the park. I can’t wait to see him!
Congraulations to the keepers and staff. He is adorable!!
Rick, thanks again for all you do. Can you tell when they are going to name the new big baby boy!