Tina and Jewel
Today we took a step closer to acclimating elephants Tina and Jewel into the Elephant Odyssey family at the San Diego Zoo: Jewel was introduced into Yard 3 of Elephant Odyssey with Sumithi and Cha Cha (see post Elephants Cha Cha and Tembo).
The Zoo’s elephant care staff discussed over time what we felt would be the easiest and best way to introduce all of our elephants (we currently have nine). We first started off introducing Sumithi and Devi (original Zoo residents) with Cha Cha and Cookie (elephants that formerly lived at the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park). Then we progressed to adding Tembo (Zoo) into the mix. There were some exciting times with lots of interactions and some pushing and shoving, but we learned a lot. For the last several weeks we have continued the introductions with Sumithi, Devi, and Cha Cha actually spending the nights together and doing very well. During the days we include Tembo; as time has gone by, this new grouping has gotten better. Cha Cha is very concerned about Tembo, but luckily she feels safe when she is with Sumithi. There have been some altercations, but nothing that would cause us to alter our plans.
All of those meet and greets have brought us to the next phase, which is to introduce Tina and Jewel (elephants brought to us by the U.S.D.A.) to the group (see Elephants Tina and Jewel: Out and About). It was decided that Jewel would be the next to have a play date. Because of her demeanor and how we have seen her interact with the others through the fences, it was decided she should meet Sumithi and Cha Cha first. I am happy to say that it went very well!
Sumithi and Cha Cha went into the yard first, and then Jewel was given access to the same yard. Right away, Jewel approached Sumithi, walked right next to her, and joined her in eating out of the hay mangers in the “utilitrees” (artificial structures where keepers place food). Cha Cha was a bit more cautious, but did finally come over to say hello. The three elephants spent most of the morning eating and moving around the yard, and several of those travels put all three in the same area. We saw no touching, but they were all very calm, which is exactly what we wanted. We will continue these introductions for another day or two, and then we will let Tina into the mix, followed soon by Devi and, hopefully, Tembo.
Elephant introductions are not an exact science; in fact, there have been very few zoos that have had the opportunity to do what we are attempting. By observing the elephants’ interactions with each other, we have been able to put a plan into place with the goal of getting all of the elephants at the Zoo together at some point. But when it comes to dealing with highly intelligent animals like elephants, we sometimes have to make changes on a daily basis. So stay tuned and visit often for the latest updates!
Here’s a video of the girls together.
Ron Ringer is a senior keeper at the San Diego Zoo. Read Ron’s previous post, Introducing Elephants.
Glad to hear all is well
Just wondering, will all 9 elephants (Including Ranchi) ever be together at the same time in a herd?
Moderator’s note: That’s the goal…
Thanks on the update. Any word on Queenie joining Tina and Jewel?
Thanks, Ron, glad to hear that patience and gentle coaxing are bringing the plan to fruition. It will be a win win for everyone, especially Tina and Jewel to have such a big herd to enjoy and protect each other.
But it is not normal for the adult males to be a part of a female herd…right?
Ron responds: It is normal to have the bulls in with the cows, and that is our ultimate goal. Right now we want to establish a herd with the females. If we were to introduce Ranchipur now, it could minimize the behavior of the females who do not have an established relationship. We want them to be comfortable with each other.
Is the herd for breeding or not?
WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO THE THIRD ELEPHANT THAT WAS WITH TINA AND JEWEL??? I BELEIVE HER NAME WASS QUEENIE… I HOPE IF SHE CAN’T COME TO SAN DIEGO SHE CAN GO TO ANOTHER WONDERFUL NURTURING PLACE..
Thank you for being so good to Tina and Jewel. But please let’s not forget Queenie, who was left behind and who also needs to be in a place of happiness, peace, and love, with other elephants, living the life that elephants were meant to live.
Thanks, Ron! It never fails to amaze me how patient and inventive you keepers are. If there is such a thing as reincarnation, I want to come back as an animal at the SDZ!
Paws is still trying to get Queenie a new home, It is a real shame that the owner is trying to stop the move.
PAWS and TES might be trying to do the right thing, but I’m on the side of zoos
. Zoos are doing the right thing by caring for these animals. Although there are some unacceptable places like Niabi in Coal Valley, with hard cement floors, others like the Brookfield Zoo have soft clay and sand substrate, as does EO. Kudos to the zoos around America! 
I was at the zoo yesterday and witnessed the very smooth introduction — quite moving to see the three together for the first time.
It is normal for a herd to have a male. The African herd at the animal park is female with one bull. Those elephants are of breeding age. They have had great success with breeding. The elephants at the zoo are beyond breeding age. Ranchipur has always been with the females from the Wild Animal Park. It’s natural the keepers would want to keep him with his female herd members, and acclimate the other elephants into the herd. Elephants are social animals
Its not per say “unnatural” for bull elephants to even live on the fringes of a female elephant herd, its just not something that happens alot (Although it does happen in the wild sometimes)
How great that everyone is getting along. It sounds a little like elementary school — and figuring out who’s going to be your new best friend for the year, who are you going to eat lunch with, play tether ball with — and figuring out who the “cool” kids are. Sounds like you guys have got it all figured out — and I’m so glad the girls are getting aquainted with all of their new best friends!
what great pics right now! mama and baby are walking side by side and he is in her shadow like glue! So Small!!!
Thanx for the update Ron. Glad to hear all is still going well for our favorite herd !!
I just saw an article on the BBc News website about San Diego Zoo’s Institute for Conservation Research’s work with elephants! Search the web for the title “Elephant ‘secret language’ clues” and the author’s name Pallab Ghosh to find it. The article even includes a video of Matt Anderson and Ndlulamitsi and Baby!
“The African herd at the animal park is female with one bull.”
It’s not just female with one bull, it’s female adults with one bull and twice as many male calves as female calves.
I think you should take in Queenie, regardless of what the owner thinks.
Thank you for caring for Tina & Jewel. So many people are wishing them the best. After such a tough life, I wish them years of peaceful and happy living. Thank you. PLEASE don’t forget Queenie.
Thanks for the terrific overhead shot of the new calf and mom and Auntie. He is a cutie.
Maybe I’m looking in the wrong place, but I see no mention of a new-looking baby in the African family group. When was this baby born? I’m enjoying watching the Elephant (and Polar Bear and Panda) Cams on my WebCams app. Thanks so much to whoever is conrtolling the cameras!
Moderator’s note: You can read about the newest elephant calf, born at the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park, at New Elephant to Love.
This Elephant Odyssey exhibit is sounding more and more interesting all the time. I’m anxious to get out there to see it (completed — I saw it under construction) for myself. What a great, great zoo!
Mark #17: I just saw the video and read the article you mentioned, and found there is another one titled “How elephant secret language is used to announce a birth”. It is also on BBC News website. The surprised birth of little Baby in the middle of the night became another interesting scientific research zoologists!
Thank you, African elephant staff at the WAP. You have to work in all kinds of weather so we visitors can have a nice clean place to visit when it is good weather. I think of you every time it rains, which includes today, and I want you to know how much I appreciate all that you do.
Is it pronounced su-MEE-thee or su-MIH-tee? I couldn’t tell if Mr. Owlett was saying Smitty or Sumithi. Thanks!
QUEENIE UPDATE: USDA and AZA have taken another big step in getting Queenie to SDZ PAWS or TES (I hope it’s SDZ
), COURT. The judge will hear the case tomorrow and see if Queenie will be kept in solitary confinement or sent to California or Tennessee or the RIGHT California institution 
It would surprise me to see SDZ take Queenie. It sounds like they have their hands full trying to integrate the elephants they already have.
What are the sleeping arrangements? Who is stalled with who during the evening and do they have access to allow for trunk touching, etc.?
I remember reading that Queenie (Boo) did not always get along with one of the other two elephants, not sure which one. So Queenie (Boo) might not be a good fit at SDZ. Also, what is the current weight for Jewel and Tina please? Are they gaining now? Thanks for the good work SDZ!
#25 Joseph
It is actually pronounce su-MITH-ee. We just call her Smitty!
#27 ele-lover
The night arrangements vary. For now, it is usually, Sumithi, Devi, and Cha Cha are kept together. Tina and Jewel. Tembo will be kept next to Sumithi, Devi, and Cha Cha so she has trunk access. Cookie and Mary are together. Ranchipur has trunk access to a variety of cows at night. We are just doing it this way until we know everyone is comfortable being together over night.
When do Ranchi and Mabhu enter musth?
#28 Kelley James
We weigh Tina and Jewel weekly. Jewel is 3,090 kgs. (6,790 lbs.). Her weight when she arrived was 2,906 kgs. (6,393 lbs.), so she has gained about 400 lbs. since arriving. Tina is currently 3,560 kgs. (7,832 lbs.). She weighed 3,348 kgs. (7,365 lbs.) when she arrived, so she has gained about 460 lbs. Both are eating well and doing fine.
#31 Joseph
That is very subjective. Ranchipur usually experiences musth sometime in April, but last year, because of the move from the Wild Animal Park to the Zoo, he did not go into musth until June.
Camera broken? It’s been looking at the same spot on the ground for a long time.
Moderator’s note: I’ll alert our Web Team.
#31 Ron Ringer–Thanks! Which needs more restraining and is more violent, Asian musth or African musth? I was just wondering because Brookfield is thinking of aquiring a male. Thanks again!
just saw tiny baby boy snuggled in and surrounded by BIG LOVE!
Dear Mr. Ringer, My name is Darren Bueno and I am a junior high student in Riverside, CA. I visit the zoo as much as I can and love it and the animals, especially elephants. I hope one day to become an elephant keeper at the zoo or wild animal park, but I have a couple of questions on how to achieve my life goal. I know that working with elephants is no easy task and that it is not as glamorous as it seems to be, but I’m more than willing to work hard to achieve my goal . Over the summer, I volunteered 82 hours at Tautphaus Park Zoo in Idaho Falls, ID. Though I didn’t work with elephants, I did work with other animals (baby camel) and loved every minute of it. But I had questions about what I should major in college (Alot of websites say either Zoology or Animal Science), how can I get work experience with elephants, and overall how can I become an elephant keeper, such as yourself. Thank you so much for your time, Darren Bueno
Moderator’s note: It sounds like you’re well on your way, Darren! Check out So You Want to Be a Keeper? for great advice on following your career dreams.
Ingadze was born Friday, the 13th of March, 2009. Is there going to be a FIRST BIRTHDAY party? If yes, can you tell me what time it is planned for?
Moderator’s note: We haven’t heard of any plans, but will try to find out…
I have always been aware that elephants are very social/familial animals. This WAP webcam is responsible for making me more and more intrigued with elephants. I enjoyed watching the newest family member yesterday for about 30 minutes (I’m not able to spend long periods at the computer.). He is just about the cutest little thing I’ve ever seen. It makes me want your cuddle and snuggle with him, knowing that his 240+ pounds would break a foot if he accidentally stepped on you!
But I would still love to snuggle with him. How many pounds has he gained since birth?
Hope everyone has a safe and happy weekend.
Sorry! And I meant to say I’m a junior in high school. Im not in middle school but thank you again.
Hi, you all! Writing to check in about the Valentine’s Day baby elephant. Haven’t heard anything new about him in the last couple of weeks, what his new name is, and what his current weight is after a couple of weeks of growing. Hope to get a new update about this new cutie ellie!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
what a picture right now!! Small, medium and Large ellie’s just rollin’ in the mud!!
must have just made it fresh!! good times!!
Hi again! What’s the latest updates about the other 2 momma ellies that are due to have babies this year? Any idea of due dates for them yet? Hope to have some answers real soon!
Thanks,
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
PS: Did check the Meet the Elephants page, and you have Msholo and the new baby elephant on there for us to read bios on. Thanks! Baby ellie still needs a name to call his own, tho!
how much does the valentine boy weigh now? He is so cute and wrinkly!!
Moderator’s note: 288 pounds
If the ellie pond has water in it before dark or dusk, and now at 7 45am, there is none
when and how often does it get drained and when does it fill up again?
Is Jewel finished with all necessary medical procedures? Is the dentist satisfied with her tooth or are you looking at another procedure? Have you determined the cause for her weight loss (before she arrived at the zoo)? Was it her dental problems or just simple neglect? Thanks.
Moderator’s note: Jewel is scheduled for another dental procedure. We’ll keep you posted.
Has baby been given a name yet? I just looooove him!
Moderator’s note: Not yet.
can we get an update on the new baby boy when someone has time please? He’s too cute and important not to be updated on.
#43 cindy in KC
The big pool at the Wild Animal Park’s elephant habitat gets drained and filled up at random times. If it looks very murky, we’ll drain it. If we have newborn calves on the ground we usually don’t fill it up past the first step. It gets filled and drained a lot during the summer because it’s being used frequently.
“If we have newborn calves on the ground we usually don’t fill it up past the first step.”
Good idea! Taronga Zoo in Sydney filled up their pool too much one day and newborn Pathi Harn a.k.a. Mr. Shuffles fell in too much while wading. That was scary! Fortunately, his mother and aunties got him out while a zookeeper helped him keep his nostrils above water.
I know that elephants remember one another for years despite being apart for along time, but I wondered how that works with people: some of these elephants have had so many owners, keepers, trainers, visitors etc- how long would a relationship with a human have to be to be remembered?
I am so happy for T and J, and the caring, dedicated work the facility has done with them. They are two of my favorite elephants that I follow.
Did the elephants react to the earthquake? I live about 10 minutes away from the zoo and 30 minutes from the WAP and boy it was a shaker!
Moderator’s note: From what I’ve heard, the herd put the babies in a protective circle.
Hi! Just read the comment from the moderator that the ellies circled their baby ellies in a circle during the earthquake! WOW!!! They have not forgotten how to do that even tho they’re in a sanctuary! Their wild protection instincts are still with them! Good for them!!
What’s the latest about the newest calf? Does he have a name yet?? Hope he has a name by now. Haven’t seen the new baby with his mom on the cam lately. Just keep missing them when I get on the ellie cam. I’ll keep trying to catch them on the cam. He’s probably grown some over the last month or so.
How are Tina and Jewel doing? I did read your latest update about them and the continuing intros with the other ellies. Has anyone heard anything more about the situation with Queenie lately? Hope she is hanging in there in Texas, and hopefully will get moved to a much nicer santuary that can really love and take care of her properly. I’m always praying for Queenie!
Zooborns has had baby elephant news from 3 different places since February! All of them are very cute, adorable, and doing good!
Well, not much else right now. Gonna go and check the cams.
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
Moderator’s note: A name for the baby has not been announced yet. Tina and Jewel continue to do well.
Hi Everyone – I just uploaded photos from my, Sunday Feb. 28, 2010, visit with the elephants at the Wild Animal Park. (Previous blog #43). I plan on visiting again soon to see how the baby elephant has grown. We will also spend the day visiting all the other interesting and beautiful animals.
You can see the photos – just goggle Flickr sdrose24.
During my visit to the park on Saturday April 10, 2010 one of the elephants was in labor and birth of a new one was very near – was the birth a success? I have diligently watched the press releases and the web site and have not found any news.
Moderator’s note: The baby has not been born yet. Should be any day now!
cam stuck?? same pic LONGGGGGGGGGGGG time…
gotta see the baby!!
“Moderator’s note: The baby has not been born yet. Should be any day now!”
Do you have another nickname ready in case you don’t name Baby before his next little brother or sister is born?
how is the vali- tine baby?? he sticks sooooooo close to mama!
Moderator’s note: He’s doing great! We’ll be announcing his name soon.
Hey! Which elephant momma is due to have her baby any day now?? Gotta know if it’s Swazi or the other momma ellie (forgot her name)!! Glad to hear that the first baby ellie of 2010 will get his name real soon. Let us know what’s going on, ok? Will be checking back for any good news!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
Moderator’s note: It’s Swazi.
Just talked to my mom. She was at the Wild Animal Park today — and the baby was born early this morning. She didn’t get to see it (forgot to ask if it was a boy or girl) — but saw all of the photographers waiting to snap pictures. She did get to see the baby that was born in Feb. and said he is absolutely adorable — she could hardly pull herself away from the exhibit. Baby finally got tired from all of the play and layed down for a nap — so mom decided it was time for her nap too — and went home.
Moderator’s note: It’s a boy!
Today, April 14, 2010, the San Diego Union Tribune announced the birth of a baby boy to Swazi at 8:30 p.m. on Monday April 12, 2010. Have you noticed him? If so, will you confirm his birth?
Moderator’s note: It’s true!
Just read in the SD paper that Swazi had her baby Monday evening. How are mom and baby doing?
Moderator’s note: So far, so good!
Hey, you all! Congrats to Swazi on the birth of her little boy ellie calf! From what I’ve read from moderator’s comments, Swazi and her calf are both doing real good! Just saw the few pics of him, and he’s another cutie! Looks like Swazi has been a very good student watching the other moms with their calves, and she has gotten her calf to a great start. Now, this new calf needs his own bio in the Meet the Elephants page and a name for him as well! Have fun with that one! Also found out that Umoya is expecting her baby ellie around June/July. More fun!!!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
I was just reading up on the Meet the Elephants page, and I have to give out a couple of happy birthdays. First, Happy Birthday to one year old Gadze! Hope he enjoyed his bday presents yesterday, March 13, 2010! Can’t believe he’s a one year old already! Second, Happy Two Month Birthday to the Valentine baby calf today, March 14! Hope that he will be getting his real name very soon!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
Re 62: Sorry, Chari, but Ingadze celebrated his birthday, like you said, on March 13, 2010; however, today is APRIL 14, 2010. He celebrated his birthday on his day, LAST MONTH. Love to read your comments, keep them coming.
Just got back from visiting Swazi and her baby boy. He was out in the field with Mom who was taking good care of him. Was really funny when he tried to nurse on Ndula and Ndula’s baby gave him a good hard shove away. The interactions between the baby elephants are really fun to watch. Also the older kids like to come close and touch the baby with their trunks. Got nearly 30 minutes of video in about 2 hours. Hope some of it turns out well enough to share with the keepers.
Moderator’s note: We’ve now got a name for Ndlula’s baby, born February 14, 2010: Lutsandvo, which means “love” in SiSwati. Very appropriate for a Valentine’s Day baby!
“She was at the Wild Animal Park today — and the baby was born early this morning.”
Congratulations on your new son, Swazi (now you’re a mater as well as a matriarch) and Mabhulane!
“Moderator’s note: We’ve now got a name for Ndlula’s baby, born February 14, 2010: Lutsandvo, which means “love” in SiSwati. Very appropriate for a Valentine’s Day baby!”
Just in time too.
Happy birthday newbie (are we calling *him* “Baby” now?) and happy new name Lutsandvo!
On Monday, April 12th, at the Wild Animal Park, Swazi gave birth to an adorable male calf. Today, we visited the park to meet this latest addition to the elephant herd. While the calf stays near Swazi, he also plays with his half-sister Kami. Kami stayed by his side the whole time we were at the Overlook. It’s amazing to watch a newborn calf interact with his mother and the other youngsters. It was so enjoyable.
While there, we learned that Umoya is expecting to deliver in a couple of months and is being closely watched. Moya is spending most of her time near the barn.
We also found that the calf born to Ndula on Valentine’s Day has been named Lutsandvo. I’m hope he will get a nickname too.
Watching this beautiful elephant family is very touching and tender.
I have added today’s elephant photos to my Flickr page. I hope you enjoy them. Just goggle Flickr sdrose24.
Moderator’s Note: Lutsandvo’s name means “love” in the SiSwati language of Africa–quite fitting for his Valentine’s Day birth!
Hi, Don Stillwell! Sorry!! My bad! I guess I got the dates mixed up! Anyway, I’m sure Gadze had a fun bday for a one year old! Just read the moderator’s note that Ndula’s new baby calf now has a new name! YEA!!! About time, too! And, I agree with the meaning since Lutsandvo was born on Feb. 14th! Now, are you guys thinking of a nickname for him? I’m thinking of Luts for short! Maybe some of you have thought of a nickname by now! Let us know. Thanks, Don, for reading my comments! Yes, I will keep them coming! Hope to see both of the new babies on the cam sometime today. Right now, the cam has been set at one spot with the small rocks or logs and no ellies walking by. Also waiting for Umoya to have her baby ellie calf this June or early July. Now, how many ellies are in that heard as of today counting Umoya’s upcoming calf? Should be close to 20 ellies, right?
How are the ellies doing at EO? Any time table for all 9 ellies to be together in their yards? Keep us updated about that, ok? I still think that Ranchie running from Tina and Jewel was the funniest thing that I have read about of these ellies at EO! Thought Ranchie was big man on campus, but he sure didn’t show it that day! Hopefully, by now, Ranchie has gotten used to seeing Tina and Jewel around and getting comfy with them.
Gonna go and check the ellie cam and get on the pandacam. Will check back later on!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
Is there an accurate live birth weight for Swazi’s baby? I’ve heard everything from 200 to 268 pounds.
Moderator’s Note: 268 pounds is the weight of record.
Re 67 and to all other readers of the blogs and comments. Lutsandvo now has a listing under the Meet the Elephants page. It is very interesting and gives a pronunciation (sp?) Lootsundvor for Lutsandvo. The person who wrote the listing should be congratulated for their insight into the life of the various elephants of the herd. Guess the babies are affected by the likes and dislikes of their elders as described in the listing.
just saw ‘something’swimming in the ellie pond— what other critters share it with them?
didnt look like a duck however..
First, I read that in the U.S. and Canada female elephants outnumber male elephants like crazy. Were more female elephants imported in the first place, or do male elephants die faster in captivity?
I hope all your elephants, the adults *and* the surviving girls (R.I.P. Lungile’s daughter 
) *and* all the boys, live long and happy and healthy lives!
How are Msholo and the Elephant Odyssey crew?
Will Mabhulane and Msholo have fence-line access to each other even if they’re not in the same enclosure? That way Mabhulane could also stay in touch with all his babies even after some of the female adults in the WAP and their calves are moved to Msholo’s side of the exhibit.
Did whoever did the observations of the herd before the move to Florida and California take notes on how Mabhulane and Msholo got along back then?
“…And, I agree with the meaning since Lutsandvo was born on Feb. 14th! Now, are you guys thinking of a nickname for him? I’m thinking of Luts for short!…”
LUtsandVo the Valentine’s Day baby could be LUV for short.
From the Elephant Cam page: “…He joins his ‘big brother’ (a whole two months older!) as the two calves born so far in 2010. Another calf is due within the next few months, so stay tuned. Will we have our own Three Musketeers?…”
You can have your own Three Musketeers no matter if Umoya has a son or a second daughter. What is the SiSwati word for Musketeer? Give him or her that name!
Hi, Mark (#71)! To answer your question about Mabu and Msholo getting together at the WAP elephant yard. From what I have read in earlier comments and articles, The yard that was used by the EO ellies will now be a part of the elephant yard once they get it ready and take the fencing down. Don’t know when that will be yet, but the ellie keepers will let us know about that soon. Right now, Msholo is in that old EO yard at WAP but does see all of the other WAP ellies. It will be interesting on how Mabu and Msholo will react with each other, and that’s the work that the keepers are working on now. Msholo came from my local zoo, Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa, FL. Hoping that everything will come together for all of the WAP ellies. Umoya is the third ellie mom expecting her baby in either late June or early July, 2010. The 3 muskateers will be a cool nickname for these 3 calves! I think your idea of LUV as a nickname for Lutsandvo is better than the one I thought of! There could be other nicknames for this calf from other people, too.
Well, been on the elliecam a few times today, but didn’t see any ellies on there. Maybe tomorrow!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
A brand new baby and for hours we stare at dirt.
Moderator’s note: Try again.
Re 72. To my knowledge, they will never put two adult male elephants in the same yard with each other. It is possible that females and their offspring could be moved in with Msholo. I would assume that if there were two adult male elephants in the same yard and a female (delicately) was ready, the males would come to blows.
ZooBorns is featuring the San Diego Wild Animal Park’s second Elephant Birth this year. There are many wonderful photos of the 2 baby elephants. Included, is an informative article about the upcoming African Festival, which runs from June 19 through September 6.