Jewel, on left, and Tina
Jewel has had her second dental procedure (read about her first procedure in An Elephant Goes to the Dentist…). The tooth was very loose, so they decided to remove it and give the new tooth room to grow in straight
She cooperated like a champ, listening to her keeper through the whole procedure. By the next day, she was back to eating her normal diet and hanging out in the sun with her elephant buddy, Tina.
Every day we see new and fun aspects to Jewel and Tina’s personalities. As you may know, Devi is a true water-loving elephant, frequently playing in the pool throughout the summer. As it turns out, Tina is also a lover of water. Just the other day I was hosing her in the smaller pool in Yard 4. Tina got very excited, lying down and splashing her body and legs wildly for over five minutes. It’s one of those moments as a keeper that are pure joy to watch. After her bath, she finished her itch-and-scratch routine on the logs and rocks, which had her bending in some very interesting positions. Jewel also likes the water but to date has not shown as much love for it as Tina. Stay tuned!
Tina is also turning out to be a bit of a musical prodigy. Several of the elephants know how to play the harmonica, so I thought I would see what Tina would do if I gave it to her to play. She immediately started playing, but unlike the other elephants, she also started moving her head and singing along. As I later learned, this was a behavior she previously knew before coming to live with us. Next time you visit, you might get lucky and catch a tune.
For the future I plan to teach them both how to paint. Keep a lookout at future Zoo fund-raisers for one of their masterpieces!
Victoria Zahn is a senior keeper at the Wild Animal Park.
How has the socialization of all the elephants proceeded? Are they still separated or have some them been able to be together?
Moderator’s note: Introductions are going well. I’ll ask the Elephant Team if they can provide an update for us.
How old are Tina and Jewel?
Moderator’s note: Jewel is 46 and Tina is 44.
Am I the only one that thinks that blogs at the WAP should be about something you can see with the elephantcam at the WAP? Give a website people can go to to find out about the activities of the Asian elephants at the Elephant Odyssey at the Zoo and keep blogs and comments at the WAP centered on activities of the African elephant herd.
Moderator’s note: The “Elephants” category of our blog section is for anything that has to do with elephants, either at our Wild Animal Park, Zoo, or our partnership with Elephants Without Borders in Africa.
Sounds like Tina & Jewel are still in the circus – poor elephants!
Please just let them be elephants. Please don’t force them to paint for human entertainment.
Moderator’s note: They are not forced to paint; it’s an activity that is offered to them. They can choose to do it or choose to decline. Read a previous blog about one of our artistic elephants: Zoo Elephants: Meet Smitty.
I am so happy to hear that Tina and Jewel are doing well, much better than their former companion Queenie. But I do have to question the harmonica playing and painting. This is simply not a natural act for an elephant and makes them just like they were before being rescued…clowns in a circus. Please, let them learn just to be elephants, with dignity.
Thank you so much for the update! I’ve been wondering about Tina and Jewel. I think some of the posters this time are unused to your enrichment program. Not at all like the circus. I think it’s great. Thank you for the job you do! I like the idea that those caring for them now offer them opportunities to do things they might enjoy without any coercion.
I’ll bet they’ll love to paint! It’s been such a good enrichment opportunity for your elies in the past!
And, I love the elephant stories even if they are about the beauties I can’t see on the cam! Just makes me want to come visit you even more! Though, it would be fun to have an additional cam in the other yard
I am so grateful beyond words that Tina and Jewel have flourished so well since their arrival being fed lots of good food, fresh water, great healthcare, and loving staff to dote on them. But to hear of Tina being forced or even encouraged to play the harmonica for entertainment doesn’t sit well in my heart. I have studied exstensively about captive elephants and perfoming these “circus acts or behaviors” reminds them of a not so great life and most likley feel as if they don’t do what is asked there may be punishment. Not that you would ever do that, it is them responding out of fear. Please, let them rest and try to enjoy their remaining years out without perfoming. Retirement is a good thing!
Again, I thank you so much for all of the hard work and care you have bestowed on these two dear girls!
I am a firm supporter of your organization, but, please know, that “The times are changing.” We don’t want animals exploited. Give them other enrichment. The poor dears have been through enough. No need to make money off them any longer. I concur with the last two comments. I know that you need to raise $$$$$ in these very difficult times, but let the old ladies do what they want. Painting by elephants has been an overused means to cash in. Let them be elephants which they have been not able to be for so long. Let the keepers paint!
My last on the subject. It is quite clear that elephants are as smart and sensitive as primates. Let us all pledge to treat them as part of the family. They have been so abused and misused. Husbandry should be of a higher level than painting!
Thank You Victoria for the new update on Tina and Jewel. After the harsh life they
endured performing in circuses, it is great to know they are happy, well fed, will
never be in chains or hit with a bull hook again. I do have 2 questions that I hope
will get answered. In the meet the elephants section for elephant odyssey, Tina
and Jewel’s profiles are still not there yet. Will they be staying permanently at the
SanDiego Zoo ? Also, can you tell us how all the introductions are coming along?
Moderator’s note: We’ll get to work on including Tina and Jewel in the Meet the Elephants section
Elephant Odyssey has given our Zoo elephants such a nice environment, especially compared to their previous enclosure. Already one year–wow! The various enrichment opportunities, such as painting may tickle some of us, but I definitely recall from past blogs (from elephant, polar bear, and other animal keepers) that those animals who participate seem engaged and well behaved. And, it’s amazing to learn how animals react (positively or negatively) to different sounds especially when the sounds are considered music to our ears. This seems like another enrichment, especially if it’s interesting and fun for our elephant friends. I also suspect that careful notes are documented regarding these activities. For us, maybe it comes across as fun and games, but for specialists in the field, these activities provide critical insights and information. Great update–thanks!
There are 7 other elephants living at Elephant Odyssey, so why are the updates only on Tina and Jewel?
Moderator’s note: Be sure to read the post Elephants Cha Cha and Tembo.
Painting and playing the harmonica are unnatural behaviors for an elephant. I was uneasy about the move to a zoo, and this is not reassuring me. I realize how extremely important enrichment is in captivity, but surely you can think of something else. They have been exploited long enough. Let them retire and the “tricks” they learned while circus elephants should be allowed to disappear. This is very disappointing to read. As one of the posters above noted, the times are changing, there is no place for this with what we now know about elephants. I hope to read in the future that painting and playing the harmonica are no longer a part of the exhibit of these elephants.
I VERY much agree with April!! Tina and Jewel were brought to the Zoo to retire and be elephants, as much as this is possible in a zoo, but most certainly NOT to entertain!! I very much hope that the SD Zoo & WAP isn’t heading in this direction of having their elephants be entertainers again…..especially after we know (or claim to) what we know about these animals.
Happy one year anniversary to Elephant Odyssey!
I have read your article about Tina and Jewel, and how well they are doing at EO. I will have to agree with some of the other commenters about the harmonica playing and painting ideas, tho. With these ellies in their 40s, they deserve some retirement from entertainment and just enjoy being their elephant selves. Tina and Jewel has had a very hard life before coming to SDZ, and they really deserve to have a very easy life from now on. There are other things that they can do, like roll logs in their yards, playing with large balls, pushing on trees, things like that that will bring out their normal, natural elephant behaviors. Keepers, just take very good care of them and enjoy them, ok? There is one thing that Tina and Jewel can do for education, tho. They can be elephant ambassadors for your elephant talks every week. They are great examples of what bad things humans can do to ellies and the good things that humans can do when they think about ellies in the proper way.
Well, off of my soapbox for now! You all take care of all of the ellies, ok? Was just on the elliecam, and saw a great bunch of ellies by the corral gate waiting on something, and saw all 3 of the newest babies with their moms there, too. You can tell where the babies are; they are the 3 smallest ellies in the group! Any names yet for the April and May baby ellies? And, when is the due date for the ellie mom that’s due to give birth to a calf later on this year, and which ellie mom is the pregnant ellie? Lots of questions from me!
Gonna go for now. Will check back later on!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
It was not easy reading about harmonica playing and painting by the elephants. As someone else pointed out let the keepers amuse themselves doing these tricks. This is exactly why I contribute to the elephant sanctuary in Tennessee… a natural existence for these much abused animals.
Pool time!!! Just watched ellie cam, and there were a few ellies in the big pool splashing, playing, and swimming! There was one of the new baby calves in the pool with his mom, too, swimming along! Don’t know at what age baby ellies get the hang of swimming, but this little guy was right in the middle of the pool just enjoying himself along with the big ellies! Elephants are very good swimmers!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
I’ve been watching the elephants for a while, momma eating, baby laying under her…..baby attempts to get up then
lays back down, several times….is baby just being lazy?
Sorry, I haven’t watched the elephants much, so pretty ignorant here….please let me know?
Adorable!
Thanks for the update ! It was fun to learn of Tina’s water antics. Imagine being able to move around freely and enjoy herself after so many years of chains. Glad that Jewel’s teeth are fine now. You have been wonderful to our dear ellie friends, but i have to agree about the harmonica and painting. Just because Tina CAN play the instrument, doesn’t mean she should; she may feel she has to, as in her circus days. There are other “tricks” she can do that we all hope no one will ever suggest again, even with the best of intentions (enrichment) I agree it might bring out bad memories. As for painting, not an ellie activity either. Just let them play and use the facilities-sounds like they love being there. Are T and J still best friends? Have they shown affection for humans or just compliance?
These two gals are so special! Thanks again.
I think the keepers do a great job determing what is appropriate enrichment activity for the herd, including Tina and Jewel. They did not offer painting nor harmonica to entertain an audience. The elephants were not ‘made to perform’, but rather were offered an opportunity to use or not use the items. There was no coercion, no reward beyond the elephants own desire to explore, taste, examine, blow through, or handle something that was made available to them.
I enjoy hearing how they handle or manipulate items offered to them. I could picture an elephant being intrigued by a harmonica. I would have been just as interested if the outcome had been for the elephant to fling it into the nearest pool. I find it facinating that one of these big creatures would carry a rock around to use as a tool for scratching. Or that one used to break all the keepers tools then try to give back the pieces.
What exactly IS normal behavior when an elephant is offered something unusual to ‘ponder?’ I don’t know. But, I hope the wonderful keepers (you know, the ones that have nursed Tina and Jewel back to health) will continue to offer a broad range of experiences to ALL the elephants, and share the outcome with us.
Linda summed up my feelings, too, regarding enrichment activities for the elephants. I think some bloggers were much too harsh on our great elephant caregivers. The elephants will be familiar with painting implements and the harmonica, but playing with these items for their own enjoyment is far, far different from being coerced to do so. They will soon learn there are no negatives for them if they don’t show interest in the items. Think how difficult it must be for the caregivers to come up with creative ideas for things that will entertain, but not be harmful. Caregivers: you do a GREAT job!
Are you kidding me!? Tina and Jewel are in the best facility there is — and are getting amazing care — both physically and mentally. I don’t have a doubt in the world that they are so much happier here than where they came from — and are flourishing in their new environment. Let’s face it — there are a lot of cruel places in this world — but the SD Zoo is certainly not one of them!
I think everyone is grateful to the wonderful keepers and for T and J’s health and happiness. Some of us merely have questions about the enrichment from harmonicas and painting, that’s all. Good editing, mods !
And thanks once again, as always, to the caregiving staff. We love the girls !
Thank you for the update on Tina and Jewel. I can almost see Tina splashing and playing in the water from your writing. And thank you for taking such good care of Jewel and her teeth. How is their weight? They look better, but the photo is so tiny. Can we get a bigger picture, please?
The harmonica story disappoints me though. I understand that a harmonica may be an amusement for the other elephants, but for Tina it takes her mind right back to having to perform for her circus trainers. Please find other forms of enrichment for her that are not connected to circus tricks. She should be honored and appreciated for being herself, not for remembering her old tricks.
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY TO MABU!!!!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
little ellie’s are head butting every where! Too cute!
I just wanted to say KUDOS to the person that has been following the baby elephants at the zoo!!!!! He/She has done a MAGNIFICENT job at capturing the elephants at their best! They are RIGHT THERE with the camera!!!! THANK YOU!!!! It is soooo much fun watching them play, take baths, pretend to be King Of The Hill~~~~~~~~Etc……I can’t thank you enough! The pandas sleep alot as do the polar bears, but the Elephants are SO active! AND Soooo cute! Thank you again and keep up the good video shots! LOVE you guys!!!
DITTO FROM ME!
Sounds like Tina and Jewel are getting all the love, attention, and great care to which they are entitled and should have had their entire lives.
The title of this update makes no sense. Tina and Jewel have only been living at the San Diego Zoo ten months so the title should really be Tina and Jewel: Ten Months. I would be interested in how the other seven elephants are doing as the update on Tembo and Cha Cha is almost six months old and surely more has happened.
Wanted to tell you how much fun I had watching the elephant cam June 2 (I know, I know, I’m so late!).
Two of the little ones were head-butting, flapping their ears, & grabbing each others’ tails with their trunks, having a fine old time! By a wonderful stroke of luck, someone was manning the cams–I know that happens only when all other duties are caught up–& there were some great close-ups! I watched for a long time, & towards evening, I saw bunches of bunnies in the yard! One of the little guys tried charging a bunny, but I think it scared him when it hopped, because he backed up real quick–but oh, my, when he was charging, he had his truck up & his ears flapped wide open! Every time I think of that magical day, I wind up with an ear to ear smile! Thank you, San Diego Zoo!!!!
Moderator’s note: You are so welcome! Thanks for sharing a fun evening with our readers.
Just had to add my thank you to the cam operator following the babies…I am having a blast – as are they. I caught some nursing also. Thank you so much.
“It was not easy reading about harmonica playing and painting by the elephants. As someone else pointed out let the keepers amuse themselves doing these tricks.”
Next time, don’t just give ‘em a paintbrush or a harmonica. Give them a VUVUZELA or two or few. As none of these elephants is exactly Byron Wallen (who can actually make a vuvuzela sound good, look up his BBC Newsnight video), the elephants may amuse themselves by picking up and playing the horns but it won’t be gratification for the keepers.
Hi, you all! It’s just after 11pm EDT here in Florida, and I just got done watching the elephant cam for about 20 minutes. The main attraction on the cam were the 3 youngest ellie babies having their fun times by themselves and with each other. They were chasing, climbing on each other, butting heads. One calf was on his front knees trying to imitate what his mom was doing with his short trunk—picking up hay! Then, a couple of calves decided it was time for their dinner milk and started nursing from their moms. One momma ellie stood still for awhile when her calf was nursing, then she decided to move a couple of steps. This calf was very persistant in getting his milk from mom, so everytime she stopped he got back to nursing. This was repeated a couple times or more! This calf was really wanting his dinner and stuck with it! That was fun to watch on the cam tonite! These 3 calves are a very active bunch of kids! Well, gonna go for now. Will check in later on.
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
watching ellie poo?
Was just on the elliecam, and just saw little baby ellie laying down beside his mom on some hay. That is a great closeup pic of them, cam people!
What’s the latest on the 3 new calves weight gains and any names for the April and May baby ellies? Any way we can vote for names for both of those calves or just for one of them? Let us know, ok?
Luv the ellies!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
Moderator’s note: Will do.
I didn’t know ellie’s could play harmonica’s? What a hoot!
It is so much fun to watch the rowdy little boy calves, Thank you so much.
RE: Tina and Jewel’s Buddy Boo
Here is a recent update from Boo’s keeper at San Antonio Zoo. Sounds like she might be making a friend. Keep your fingers crossed these two gals get along. Good luck Boo and Lucky.
www (dot) sazoo-aq (dot) org/animalexhibits/boo_profile.html
For those who think it’s unnatural for the elephants to play harmonicas and paint, please remember that it’s also “unnatural” for human beings to play golf, play the piano and fly airplanes. However, once you’ve learned to do these things, they are a lot of fun! I’m certain that the elephants have fun doing the things that they’ve learned to do, and it would be very cruel not to let them do it, so long as they want to.
Thanks ele-lover ! The blog there is great. It is so funny that Boo approaches Lucky backwards to appear less aggressive !! Elephants are very creative thinkers ! Seems she loves water/pools just like old buddies Tina and Jewel. I feel better about Boo’s placement after reading the forum and seeing the videos there.
(And thanks for the updates here. T and J seem to be doing very well for older ellies)
Looking at the ‘kids’ splashing each other in the pool! Too Cute!
Another ‘pool party’ happening.
Moderator’s note: Yes! Our first party will be tomorrow at 11 a.m. We’ll then party each day through July 4 at 12:30 p.m. and then every Saturday through September 4. Come see the elephants enjoy their pool treats and toys!
Lauren…..right on! and Barbara S…maybe the harmonica is a fun thing to do?
I’m late in joining this discussion, but I must add my 2¢ !! If you all believe that SDZ provides the greatest care on earth for all the animals; why would you imagine even for a moment that the keepers would do anything at all to jeopardize any animal having the most wonderful day to day existence?!?! These are enrichment activities to give the ellies something new to look forward to. If they choose to not participate they are not forced. But what if they find that it is enjoyable?! Please be kind to the hardworking keepers.
Would you do an update of Tina and Jewel?
Yes, please give us an update on Tina and Jewel.