Have you been checking out the construction of our yard project, connecting the two large elephant yards at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park? Currently, our African elephant herd lives in one yard, and adult male Msholo lives in the other yard. It will, I hope, be completed very soon!
Our plan is to acclimate all the females and their calves to Msholo’s “West Side” yard, keeping him separated by just a gate so they can physically and visually check each other out through the gate openings. We’ll keep the adult bulls separated. Physical introductions with Msholo will depend on what we observe and how comfortable the elephants are with the new yard or how they interact with Msholo through the gate. Msholo should know his original herd mates Umngani, Swazi, and Umoya, from their time in Swaziland, but back then the females didn’t have calves. We really don’t know what any of them are going to do, so plans will change. My best advice is to stay glued to Elephant Cam!
All the elephants are doing well. Babies are growing fast, and you can check their recent weights in the Meet the Elephants section. Macembe is still quite independent and still plops down anywhere to sleep. He hangs out with Mabu a lot. Emanti is playing more and more with Lutsandvo and Macembe and knows well enough to stay out of Swazi’s way. Musi and Lungile still do their “gate fighting” whenever possible, and Musi and Impunga still wrestle with each other. Khosi and Kami keep a watchful eye on their little brothers, and a fresh mud bog is always a big hit with everyone.
A day with Msholo is a physically exhausting day. Because he’s such a quick eater, we have to set in some form of difficult-to-get enrichment device with every flake of hay he gets so that it will keep him busy. Brian, one of our keepers, is a master at coming up with novel enrichment ideas and is constantly changing locations for Msholo’s food items. The amount of time and energy we put into enrichment for all of our elephants every day is truly amazing. I’ll go out on a limb and boast that as far as enrichment goes, we are the most dedicated group of elephant keepers on the planet!
We are expecting two more calves in 2011. Litsemba is due with calf #2 in January, and Umngani is due with Calf #3 in the fall. Mabu is well represented as a father, and three calves is more than enough with any one female, so we’d like to see if Msholo is viable as well. Way easier said than done!
Curtis Lehman is an animal care supervisor at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Read his previous post, Park Elephant Answers.
Update: Watch the introduction, which took place December 16, 2010.
One major item missing, estimated time of completion. Great blog, though.
Thank you for the update. I love watching the elephant cam especially when they go spashing in the pool. That is great that there will be 2 more elephants born next year.
Could you please address the partnership with Park Reid Zoo and how it will affect the herd. Thanks.
The San Diego Zoo responds: We do not have any information to share at this time.
Is Msholo back in his yard yet?
I love watching in early morning. Young ones are so playful. I had been wondering what the construction was all about – now I know. Looking forward to Jan. birth – where will that Mom be? Confined area? Noticed a white cross mark on adult & wondered what happened.
Thanks for sharing this cam with all of us who can’t be there.
Now that the camera is showing a wider shot, I see Msholo is not back in his yard yet. I thought maybe since the crates were gone construction was done. Guess not. Any date when construction will be done?
Thanks for the update, Curtis. I’m getting to know the Zoo elephants much better, now that I can tell them apart. The Zoo has these great signs that provide descriptions and pictures which help to identify each individual elephant. Every time I’m at the Park, I wish they had similar signs. Is there any way we could get such signage at the Park?
The new construction and landscaping looks great! As I watched the cam today, I noticed that most of the trailors and equipment are gone. So it looks like very soon all of us are in for a treat.
Watch the naming of Emanti, the last baby elephant calf born at the Park on May 12, 2010. It’s very interesting and exciting to watch. Select the word “blogs” and click on “Park Elephant Answers.” Go to comment #35 and beside Moderators note are red lettered words, “Here’s the direct link to the video.” Cllick on the red letters. Several videos are listed on the right side of the screen. Click on “Elephant Calf Named” and watch and listen to Curtis Lehman narrate the unveiling of EMANTI, the name given to the last elephant calf born at the Park on 5-12-2010.
The video is exciting to watch and shows how much Curtis enjoys his job as an Elephant Keeper/Supervisor.
http://www.sandiegozoo.org/elephantcam gets you to the blogs.
Moderator’s note: Here’s the direct link to the naming video…
I noticed a few of the elephants heading over into the other yard but didn’t get to see how they were reacting to it due to the cam operator turning the cam back toward the main yard. I hope they like it so that introductions between Msholo and the girls can move forward soon.
How exciting to watch the females explore their new space!
Is Lungile possibly expecting as well? And how do you tell if an elephant is pregnant or not?
Moderator’s note: Hormone levels can be monitored via fecal samples.
The elephants don’t seem to notice the missing crates or new, opened gate. Usually wouldn’t they be curious about such major changes?
I take that back – just didn’t see them near the gate on the webcam but have since seen film of the elephants going back and forth. Glorious day!!
HISTORY WAS MADE AT THE PARK YESTERDAY. For the first time since the Asian elephants were moved to the Elephant Odyssey at the Zoo and Msholo was moved into that yard, Mabu’s family and Moose were given an opportunity to cross through the completed walkway connecting the two yards together to eat browse, hay, and treats that were spread throughout the yard. Moose was the first one to cross, followed shortly by Lungile. If one looked carefully at the far end they could occasionally see Msholo through the gate. While I was at the Park, I got video of Moose, Lungile, Swazi and Mackembay, Ndlula and Lutsandvo all spent differing lengths of time in the yard. Moose was in heaven! All that food. In fact, both Moose and Lungile crossed back and forth several times carrying browse, there was none in the Mabu side, perhaps to brag about the goodies over there, and then they would return. I have edited the video and hope to have copies for the keepers in a few days. The video of 23 minutes shows this historical event, plus a portion of 3 visits in November and 12-3-2010 when the crates were being moved out of the area. Many thanks to eyeryone helping to make this possible!
I was at the [ark yesterday and Nidula and children, plus Lungile where going back and forth through the open gates. Others could, but didn;t seem curious enough. Mishlo was kept in the upper yard, as was Mabu on his side. Sorry I missed you Don.
Have copies of DVD mentioned in #11. Will bring them with me on Tuesday. Great job yesterday!
Re: 16
Don is there anyway you can post the video on a site and let us adoring ellie lovers see it since for a good portion of us, our only way of viewing is via the ele cam due to where we live.
Musi and Lungile were the first to croos over today as well. Musi went right away.
How fun to watch them exploring the new yard! They seem to love it. How can we watch the video? I hope it will be posted!
Pleased to see Msholo out. He must realize that he’s had company.
At one time this afternoon, it looked like nearly the entire herd from Mabu’s side were in the field on Msholo’s side. I would say about 10. They were all called back by the keepers and the gates were shut. Later we saw Msholo walking through his yard and hopefully he got some food that was left behind by the Moms and kids. Finally a chance for much needed exercise. Hope Mabu got a chance to go out in his yard also because he was kept in his yard when the gates were open. To George (#15) I’ll be back on Tuesday after 11:00 a.m.
Has it been decided yet as two which two females and there calves will be heading off to Reid Park Zoo?
The San Diego Zoo responds: We do not have any information to share at this time.
Re: Reid Park Zoo, hoping it’s an unfounded rumor. I’ll be very disappointed if true. I don’t know if I’ll be able to continue to support the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.
From the National Geographic Website: It is typical for several bulls to form a bachelor band. It is in this band that the group will traverse landscapes in search of food, water, and receptive females with whom to mate. This band is not close-knit like the female-headed herd. The males frequently split to travel alone, or to join other bands. As a result, elephant bulls do not place a high value on forming close relationships with other elephants. There are instances of male elephants that have formed a friendship with another male, but these remain fluid relationships, with no real sense of commitment.
Given this, could you put the two bulls together? I know they couldn’t be together during munsth.
awww now msholo wont be so lonely ^_^
Heard the Mabu family (less Mabu) were in the Msholo yard at 1:50 p.m. today. Anything interesting about the visit that us curious elephant watchers would be interested in?
hi,
Im from the uk and have just started viewing the cam over the last several months and i love it. I wondered what the construction was all about.
I love watching the little ones play, anyway keep up the good work.
Video of Tina and Jewel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9HGC9SGYXg
#24 Vickie, Reid Park refers to it on their website and their employees have posted online confirming.
Beautiful view this morning. Must be cold since you can see the steam coming from the elephants trunks and Emanti has been getting warm by standing under his mother. Good to see Msholo out.
715 pdt- watching a younger ellie try to roll a log with their tusk and trunk and ‘talking’ to it as if to say
‘stay’ when it rolls back a bit. how cute!
That was so funny – Punga giving a log rolling demonstration to two of his brothers.
The camera has been on Swazi and Mackembay for quite a while. Mackembay has tusks. Is this unusual for an 8 month old? I noticed one of the 3 little ones in the yard a couple of weeks ago and could see the little tiny tusks.
When the elle’s go in the “new yard” will we lose the cam?
Moderator’s note: The Cam can be pointed to the new yard, as it is right now
I’m watching on live cam new place they have elephants! and I really like!
They are so adorable!! I love them!
And all caregivers a hug from Uruguay Montevideo by the dedication to them !!!
#29 Thanks for the info. Tha really disappoints me. I also think its horrible they will be transporting babys.
The San Diego Zoo responds: The San Diego Zoo remains committed to the conservation of elephants and has a long-term collaborative effort to manage the North American population of African elephants in zoos that are accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The Reid Park Zoo has indicated an interest in being a part of this collaborative effort.
wow! why do the cam pics and colors seem so much better and brighter today ? New system, HD,
awesome!
I’m sorry I’m a little confused-when the herd is in the new yard, where is Msholo? In the old yard?
Moderator’s note: Msholo is also in the “new yard,” which, of course, is not new to him, but he is separated from the rest of the herd by a gate at this time.
I don’t think I’ve seen this mentioned in prior posts, but there is a new video from Curtis on the new digs…. The babies are loving it…
Moderator’s note: Here’s the link…
Reid Park Zoo is creating a fantastic new habitat for elephants, so when our 2 females and each of there calves go, they will be going to a fabulous new home! And they also have 2 females already there so they will have new company as well!
This will be a very good move on the SDWAP’s part as Mabulahne is very well represented now and if he breeds with the same females over and over, this could lead to inbreeding and not enough genetic diversity
At the same time, the social bonds between elephants, and especially between female adults in a herd, are strong. Even with the new company, they would miss their old herdmates!
You do make a good point about inbreeding. Rotating herd members between Msholo’s company and Mabhulane’s company could increase genetic diversity without permanently breaking up relationships that would stay intact in the wild. Also, sending the next generation of bulls to other zoos when they are adults (and when they would have left their mothers’ herd and left their bachelor herd(s) in the wild) would also reduce the risk of inbreeding.
Yes, Reid Park Zoo has two female elephants one Asian and one African. They are apparently very attached to one another. So how’s that going to work out with the other elephants? Also last time I was at the park one of the keepers said Mabu may go to Lowry Park zoo.
Thanks for the link. I was watching them shooting the video yesterday. Excellent job.
Even if the rumors were true about Reid park why would it be a big deal? They are going to be with several other female elephants of varying age. The habitat will be over three acres, state of the art (the size of the old elephant yard before it was joined). The park is made up of experts I doubt they would do anything that wasn’t right for the animals!
If Msholo is viable would you want to breed him with Lungile?
Mabu is not pleased this morning.
This morning, Mabu looked like he wanted to join the girls in west exhibit.
must be close to ‘rush’ time- seeing a lot of swaying back and forth, head shaking and trunk waving. Ready to start the race!
Was watching early this morning before 8 a.m. and saw Mackembay’s tiny white tusks. (Swazi’s baby.)
Is Msholo in an area where he can see the visitors to his yard. How is he reacting?
Moderator’s note: Yes, he can see and communicate with his “visitors.”
Finally!
This change to such tiny print is really hard to read. It looks almost as if it has gone from BLACK to GRAY. What I am typing in this box right now looks the same way. Sorry, I vote for the old way.
Is any other reader seeing these comments in small, squashed together, print?
No, Don! The print on my computer is very clear and easy for me to read. Maybe you can change the font size on your computer to get the letters a little bit bigger for you to read better. Hope that works for you. Let us know, ok? At least you can watch the pandacam, right? Hope so!!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
I was rereading Curtis’s post and understand that the gene pool needs to be diversified … Bull’s are territorial with their females, correct? If some of Mabu’s ladies join the other bull, won’t that upset him a bit?
I didn’t think that bulls were territorial with females though Mabu after 8 years with the same herd would probably be so.
Bulls in the wild don’t usually associate regularly with the femailes except to mate. They live solidary lives or as young bulls form associations with bulls their own ages for a time.
Okay, something weird is going on. I have this little tiny print and a heading for this area and my wife, on a different computer, has the regular size that I have had for months. Is there a way for me to get back to the regular size type like it used to be?
Moderator’s note: It reads fine on my two computers. I’ll forward your comment to our Web design team.
Readers of comments, will you please tell me if you are receiving this info in tiny letters, all squashed together, or are you getting it in large letters spread out across the page like it has been for months until today? Hopefully this will be moderated in a timely manner so I can start to see this again in a legible size.
Hi, Don! Go up to my Dec. 12th comment reply to you. I have a suggestion for you to try with your computer. Hope it works for you!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
The font size I type in will have absolutely no effect on the size of the squashed print I have been frustrated with ever since the format was changed.
Moderator’s note: We’re sorry you are frustrated with our new format’s look on your computer. We’ll continue to look into the problem.
Mine looks fine like always.
I’m not having any problems either. I just have to get used to the new format.
It’s cool here on my browser. Does your browser let you quickly toggle between the website’s font settings and your own default font settings? The Opera browser includes that feature and even lets you put the button for it wherever you want.
Don: It appears okay on my computer.. not squashed together…
Thanks for your reply. When I type in my comment box it is larger than it appears here. Actually your response is squashed.
Thanks for your comment which means you have read my comment. You can imagine my frustration when everyone seems to be getting normal size and I am getting squashed size, for the very first time. Perhaps there is now a symbol being sent that makes my computer act this way. Actually as I am typing this comment these letters seem to be normal size again. I’ll send and see how it prints.
My replies as well are larger than what is actually posted…
That is true of my wife’s computer. She’s getting much larger letters than are being printed in this box. Thanks for taking the time to respond.
My text is fine, but I agree with Don, I don’t care for the foremat.
Thanks, Tom. I’m sorry, but sometimes new is NOT better!
Is Msholo being let out into his yard after the other elephants return to their yard? I’ve haven’t seen him on camera since the construction was completed.
How interesting to see Mabu in the west yard this morning. Any interaction with Msholo?
When will Msholo be allowed to be in with the girls and kids?
As best as I could count, I believe only 8 elephants returned from the Msholo side at 11:30 a.m. Were the other 7 let out of the yard at the same time?
I have a question for the keepers. How do you tell which elephant is Ndlula? I recognize her by her long LEFT tusk and her now broken RIGHT tusk (which, before it was broken, used to curve towards the left tusk, under her trunk). This question is also for viewers comments. Now look at the “Meet the Elephants” page at the picture displayed. It is actually a picture of Moya. Now look at the comment which mentions known for her short right tusk. For the purpose of accuracy, shouldn’t the picture be replaced with a picture of Ndlula with her long LEFT tusk and a comment that accurately describes how to recognize her?
I don’t expect everything will ever be perfect but shouldn’t we strive for that goal? Ndlula’s picture is not a picture of Ndlula in “Meet the Elephants.” I brought 14 copies of a disk showing video of Ndula’s tusks on November 10 and 12 after I discovered her right tusk was broken. The picture clearly shows a LONG left tusk. The keepers have worked with Ndlula ever since she arrived. She has always had a LONG left tusk. I know you are not responsible for the “Meet the Elephants” page, but I would think that you would like pictures of those elephants you are so proud of to be accurate.
Moderator’s note: Don, I’m working on securing a new photo of Ndlula. Please be patient.
THANK YOU!
What is the age of Msholo and Mabu? How many elephants are there now in the zoo? your reply will be much appreciated.
Moderator’s note: All of the adult African elephants at the Safari Park are about 20 years old. You can read bios of each one on our Meet the Elephants page. We currently have 16 elephants at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and 7 elephants at the Zoo. You can read bios of the Zoo’s elephants here…
How come on the “Meet the Elephants” page the only one who has any information regarding age and weight is Mabu?
Moderator’s note: Each elephant’s bio has their age and weight under the name; are they not showing up for you? Perhaps you can do a “shift + refresh” on your computer?
My font seems to be fine but then I always keep my IE set at 150% for ease of reading.
I can read what I type perfectly well. It’s changed when it gets up above. Apparently I am the only one who reads these blogs and comments that has the problem so I’ll live with it and stop talking about it!
Hi, you all! I was on the elephant cam earlier today, Mon., 12/13, and I saw one of the elephants and her calf on the cam, and boy! She was FAT! I figured out that this was Litsemba, and she is really showing off her pregnancy! I loved the way that she stands while she’s sniffing around and eating some of the hay. She would cross one of her back feet over the other one as a way of probably getting comfortable standing and relieving the pressure from her back end somewhat. It’s really cute the way she does that. Her calf (can’t remember the calf’s name!) was with her just relaxing and sniffing the hey.
Gonna go. Will be back later!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
Impunga is Litsemba’s calf Chari
Impunga is Semba’s calf.
and Semba is Litsemba’s nickname
Has there been any response from Msholo to his visitors? Mabu is there again today. Are the bulls aware of each other?
Hello,
Tell me about the kids visiting the elephant yard today, I’ve never seen such a large group before. As I watch from my desk at work (elephant cam is on way too much!), I am so jealous – I hope such a wonderful visit helps to grow a strong and protective love for these magnificent creatures.
Moderator’s note: We do offer various programs allowing guests to get a more in-depth experience. I’ll bet those children had a great time learning about elephants in this unique way!
It would be great if we could get an update on how Msholo is reacting. Also I haven’t seen it, but others have posted seeing Mabu in Msholos yard? Curious to know why?
Moderator’s note: As Curtis stated in his post, plans will change! Yes, Mabu has been over to the “new” yard three times so far; he wanted to explore the area as all the others had done.
Arrived at the Park at 9:30 a.m. and waited in the specially built viewing area behind the swimming pool until 11:30 to see the RUSH. I knew there were either 4 or 5 elephants in Msholo’s field, including Mabu, which left 10 or 11 in the yard on Mabu’s side. This could create a fairly nice RUSH, I thought. Exactly how much was spent to build this special area so people could watch the RUSH coming towards them rather than watching their rear ends as they leave. The RUSH actually lasted about 10 feet. Why? Elephants love BROWSE. The Keepers left a large number of piles of BROWSE right outside the gate. The RUSH became a HALT. The viewers at this specially built viewing area didn’t get to see any of the elephants from the yard for a very long time and then it was a trickle as one or two wandered by after they had eaten all the BROWSE up near the gate. Can we, please, not put any BROWSE before midfield to give an opportunity for viewers at the specially-built viewing area a chance to see a RUSH on those days when all the Mabu family is not all over in Msholo’s field?
Moderator’s note: Your suggestion has been forwarded to our Elephant Team.
Today the browse was all placed beyond the logs in the middle of the field and the elephants RUSHED at least until they got to the browse. THANKS. It was great viewing it from the viewing area behind the pool.
Do the elephants get much browse? On the cam, I see them mainly eating hay. Thanks.
Moderator’s note: They get a variety of browse items in addition to hay and alfalfa.
Read my comment directly above yours. I guarantee they had plenty of browse yesterday.
I got to see Tina and Jewel on the news this morning here in L.A. They are opening the new elephant exhibit at the L.A. Zoo, tomorrow, and the local news stations are doing a story on it. Excited for the girls. Although they have not been able to spend much time with Billy the current elephant resident, since they are still in quarantine, they should get to be with him soon. But looks like all is going well for the girls !! I hope to make it there soon, to see them live and in person ! Of course we have the SDZ for getting these girls back on their feet
Lainie – when you see the girls, please report back to us…. I got to see them in August..thanks, Dianna
Wednesday. 2.31pm N.C. time…..what is the person in the red shirt and blue jeans doing? think on the the ellie’s looks a bit spooked?
I’d like an answer on this one also. It looked like the person had a tripod and sat there for a long time before the elephants came back from the Msholo side at 11:30 a.m.
There was a person in a red jacket today with a camera on a tripod. Didn’t notice any elephants seeming to be concerned. Msholo was actually in the field with the visitors and everything seemed to be going beautifully. The keepers were keeping a close eye on the proceedings.
Report on today is much better than yesterday. 6 elephants returned from the field on Msholo’s side and headed towards the structure at the west end of the field. By the time they got there, Mabu had joined them from the yard end of field. Within 30 minutes I could count 10 elephants at the west end of the field. This reduced yesterdays time from over 2 hours to 30 minutes. Curious. Did you take my suggestion and move the browse to the middle of the field? Whatever happened, the viewers at the specially built viewing area behind the pool had a much better view of the elephants today than I had yesterday. Thanks.
Much to report today. More history was made. Moya and kids, Samba, and Lungile were in Msholo’s field when I arrived about 10:30 a.m. I didn’t realize that Msholo had been in the field all the time, until Curtis came and called him into a holding area to wait while the visitors went back to Mabu’s side. The browse was placed beyond the logs in the middle of the field and the elephants from the yard area on Mabu’s side actually RUSHED until they got to the browse, so the people waiting at the viewing area behind the pool got a good view. I was very impressed with how smoothly things went.
With reference to the person with the red jacket and a tripod. There was a person there today, also, with a camera on the tripod.
I goofed. It was Swazi, not Samba. More logical. Samba is due in January and would not be wise for her to suddenly give birth in Msholo’s field.
Don: Do you go visit the ellies everyday? How cool that would be. Our zoo doesn’t have a very good elephant exhibit…
I visit once or twice a week. Watched HISTORY being made when they first opened the gates that connected the two fields together and more HISTORY today without knowing it until the visitors had to leave Msholo and return to the Mabu side of the yard.
Was it Mabu who was visiting Msholo this morning? He was right up to the gate looking in it looked like.
Moderator’s note: Today we introduced Msholo to Swazi, Umoya, Lungile, Macembe, Kami, and Emanti without any barriers separating them. The introduction went very well!
Thank you for clarifying. That’s just terrific news.
I feel kind of sorry for Mabu… his family is leaving him?
Moderator’s note: No, we’ve just connected two yards to offer more management options. He’ll always have company!
Saw the picture on Facebook and stole it for my wallpaper – looks like Lungile has a new object for her affections.
Moderator’s note: Here’s the link to the San Diego Zoo’s Facebook page.
Lungile, snuggling up with Msholo, is the only one that isn’t spoken for. Samba is due in January 2011, and Umngani is expecting her third in October 2011, Dula had Lutsundvo on February 14, 2010, Swazi had Mackembay on April 12, 2010, and Moya had Emanti on May 12, 2010. Guess you will all have to root for a romance between Lungile and Msholo. Only time will tell!
And remember it’s 22 months before a baby after a successful courtship.
This following was on a news station’s website re Reid Park. Do they have the number correct? How many will be relocating to Arizona?
Reid Park Zoo breaks ground on new elephant exhibit
“The exhibit will become home to up to six elephants from the San Diego Zoo.”
San Diego Zoo responds: The San Diego Zoo works collaboratively with other accredited zoos to manage elephant populations in North America. Reid Park Zoo has expressed an interest in being a part of the collaborative effort with African elephants. The San Diego Zoo has not made any decision regarding future elephant moves at this time.
When the ele’s rush from the new yard to the old yard does Msholo go too?
See Moderators comment to Pat H on December 14, 2010, at 1:38 p.m.
Mabu has been to the new FIELD while Msholo was in his YARD.
Having talked to visitors to the Park as well as reading lots of comments, I would like to offer a brief description of an elephant AREA. The AREA consists of a YARD divided into a front and rear part, a FIELD where keepers must go to pick up poop and put out goodies, edible, and a BARN where the elephants can keep warm. Because visitors and comments seem to refer to this AREA as a YARD, I hope this explanation will help.
I have been amazed at the number of visitors who watch the elephantcam but have never heard of the blogs or comments. I am trying to change that by this comment. There is so much useful information given in the blogs and Curtis Lehman, one of the keepers, has written several of them. You should read the blogs he has written and you can immediately tell that he loves his job.
There is a video where Curtis is narrating the unveiling of the name given to Moya’s son EMANTI. Perhaps the MODERATOR will supply a way for anyone to watch the video.
Moderator’s note: How about a link to the newest elephant video showing the elephants’ first day in the “new” yard?
Thanks, that’s excellent. After watching this video, if you want to watch the naming of Emanti, there is a sliding bar at the right of the video that you can then slide down to “Baby Calf Named” Click on it to see the EMANTI naming.
How often do female ellies go into estrus? Will having a nursing calf prevent this? If there is a previous post on ellie reproduction, I would love to have the link. Thanks!
Moderator’s note: It would make an interesting blog topic and will be suggested to the Elephant Team.
Thanks Moderator… I keep coming up with all these topics for Curtis… poor guy.. like he doesn’t have enough to do!!
From what I’ve read, female elephants go into estrus about every 4 months, nursing a calf doesn’t prevent it but it also depends on the individual elephant as to whether she allows mating to take place.
My goodness but everybody’s a muddy MESS today!!! The youngsters have been having a good time–and the adults too!
Are the elephants getting enough to eat.?? I can see their bones and ribs! So worried, they look skinny for their size…
Moderator’s note: They are very healthy, please don’t worry. They have vet exams, and the staff tracks their weight to make sure each elephant is getting the proper amount of food.
Sandra,
If you watch the cam a lot, you will see that they eat constantly all day and there is always food available to them. They also get treats from the keepers they we don’t usually see.
I would think with the area being as muddy and slippery as it is that it could be dangerous for them to be out in those conditions particularly Semba and Umngani seeing as they are expecting calves. I had read previously that during rainy weather that the elephants had access to the barn yet I’ve noticed that the barn door and gates to it aren’t open all the time to allow them to go in. Is there a reason as to why not?
Moderator’s note: The barn is usually open to the elephants during inclement weather and at night. If access is closed, it is because the barn is being cleaned.
Elephants experience intense rainy seasons in Africa, so they ought to be able to handle San Diego’s relatively mild rains safely.
This is not exactly a mild rain. Some areas have had up to 13 inches of rain and one hotel has had to evacuate its guests one at a time after the ground floor got flooded. Even parts of the trolley line that is supposed to be used to get to the Poinsettia Bowl tomorrow is under water. Lots of people are going to get back to parking lots to find their cars have been under water for several days.
I have noticed in the last little while that Semba seems to be lower in the tummy and her mammaries are swollen. I would take it mean that with due date nearing her calf has gotten into birth position and now it’s just a matter of time before the new arrival comes.
MERRY CHRISTMAS, KEEPERS! Thanks for all you do all year long to make the Park a great place to visit. Holiday or not, elephants eat and ……and someone has to feed them and clean up after them. It won’t be long before you will have one more little one when Samba gives birth. Again, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and keep up the good work you so expertly do.
Too bad the camera decided to take a vacation at this time, though.
And thanks to you Don for keeping everybody informed, and sharing your great videos
Did I see a brand new baby early this morning on the elephant cam?
Moderator’s note: You did! Details to follow.
A new baby?
Did Semba have her baby?
Since I can see it on the webcam I should have asked – boy or girl??
It IS a new baby! Yay!
I noticed today around noon that Semba’s baby has arrived.. Congratulations .. hopefully details regarding the new arrival will be posted soon.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfvntvJpLvs
Moderator’s note: What a cutie! Thanks for sharing. I’ve just learned the little male was born early this morning. We don’t have a weight on him yet. Any guesses?
How cute is he??? I wonder if the ellies trumpeted his arrival like they did with the others?
From the comments, you already know about the new addition at the Park! Just got back from there where I took some video and some slides. Keepers found Samba with a baby boy when they arrrived this morning. Samba had NOT been on baby watch. The baby and mom will be in the field tomorrow so stay glued to your webcam. That’s how my wife found out this morning and when she told me, I immediately headed for the Park. Punga, Samba’s first son, was with Mom and the baby in the yard. The baby was weighed while I was there but I don’t know the weight..
Don. will you be posting your pics and videos for all to see? Hope so!! Thanks, Dianna
Thank you Zoo and Safari staff for your dedication to our family of beautifully taken care of animals. We are so lucky to have you.
I see we have a new addition to the family. I have been watching on and off all day today to catch a glimpse of the new little one.
Hopefully all goes well and he will be another great addition to our herd.
Thank you again for all your hard work..A Happy and Healthy New Year to you all. God Bless. Allie
Baby weighs 230 pounds. Everybody should watch the website deb posted at 12:57 PM today. It’s an actual 1:40 video of the baby in the yard with Samba. I’ve already watched it 3 times. It’s FABULOUS!
Moderator’s note: We now have four photos of the new baby posted in the What’s New? section of our Web site.
They are great pictures. Thanks for sharing.
Don where is the Video Please? I’ve seen the pictures they’re great. Thank you to the staff for the pictures what a wonderful addition to the herd!
Moderator’s note: Don is referring to a youtube video mentioned in a comment by reader “Deb” above. We’ll be posting our own video of the newest baby some time today.
Because the comments are no longer numbered, I refer to them by the time they were posted. It was posted Dec 27 at 12:57 p.m. Go up to that time, about 4 comments above and click on the words written in green. Enjoy! Looking forward to the video by the Park.
Just curious, when was Semba’s original expected due date? How far in advance does the staff usually go on watch before a due date? Also was the placenta found ? I know there have been placenta problems with other pregnancies.
San Diego Zoo responds: The first day that animal care staff expected the calf to be born was December 26. A 24-hour birth watch was scheduled to begin on January 1. Instead, staff started 24-hour observations of the mother and calf Monday night and will continue them for the next 5 weeks.
Thanks for the response. Can’t say I really understand why the watch wouldn’t have begun on the 26th. I know it’s good for them to be born out in the field, but what if there had been complications? You’re the experts and you all do a fantastic job. It’s just interesting to know the hows and whys regarding the decisions made. Thanks
Good Lord! Another boy! What a rowdy group you will have. I think it’s time that Mabu hangs up his spurs. Sweet animal. As I understand the males determine sex. I hope Msolo can help. All the more sad that Lungile lost her little girl calf.
Wow – another male! It’s really too bad this one wasn,t a female. What is the park going to do with all these young males when they grow up?
Absolutely fabulous. Love the video. Thanks Don for pointing it out to us!
Guess it’s time to update the Meet the Elephants page with Semba’s calf’s arrival coming before January.
Moderator’s note: It’s on our To Do list.
Will the new baby be in the yards?
Moderator’s note: Yes, he can be viewed by our guests.
Wonderfull, Wonderfull
I see Semba and Baby have been updated on the Meet the Elephants page. However a slight update should be done on Msholo as well since the construction is now completed.
Moderator’s note: You’re right! These elephants are keeping us busy.
I saw on the telly that the bad weather may be back………I do hope the Zoo will miss it, and, the new baby will be able to stay warm and dry
Aww what a little cutie pie he is! Congrats to the park and mom on the birth!
I came across this fantastic video about baby ellies:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaRYBq6zsmY
Fun footage
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSdzCJjKo6Y
Was just e-mailed a video of Curtis Lehman introducing the new baby elephant to viewers. Can you post it here for elephantcam viewers to watch?
Moderator’s note: Here it is.
Cute Elephant Encounters is the newest blog. I am sure there are different moderators at different times. This version is the Park version and not a youtube version. I have nothing against youtube versions being available but it seems that the Park version should be #1 in priority with other versions as secondary. Can this version be added to the Cute Elephant Encounters blog to show how proud we are of the Park?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciRQ-jJJVgI&-feature=uploademail
If you click on this version, the choices of additional videos is different. There is 4:57 minute version by someone holding the camera in his hand, and although more shaky, it is VERY INTERESTING TO WATCH!