Our newest elephant greets the world.
I expected Monday, December 27, to be a relatively slow day, a day to catch up on some work items. But all that changed quickly when a note was passed to me saying “Call the Park. A baby elephant was born.” I hopped in a van with our videographer, Shea Johnson, and off we went to see the calf, a boy and the fourth African elephant born at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park this year.
When we arrived at the elephant exhibit, there was already a crowd of people surrounding the upper yard were Mom Litsemba, baby, and older brother Impunga were. The baby’s ears were flapping, his trunk was moving up and down and all around, and Mom was always right there with him. His feet weren’t moving in perfect harmony yet, but he was pretty stable. I was impressed, seeing as he was walking just hours after birth.
Mother Litsemba keeps Baby close.
Baby elephants, in my experience, are well-proportioned creatures. Unlike puppies or kittens, they don’t seem to have the tell-tale signs of overly large feet or ears that give you a clue as to how big they’re going to become. They’re just a true miniature version of their parents. This baby managed the slope of the yard just fine. He even found a small, shallow puddle to check out, but when Mom saw that, she quickly moved him away from the water with her trunk and began sucking up and blowing out the water in what seemed like an attempt at drying the puddle.
As we stood there taking video and photos, the baby started to fall asleep standing up. Then, the drowsy boy started to slump down—front legs first, then his back end—and he eventually just flopped on his side and continued to rest. But he wasn’t down for long—a couple of minutes—before all the motion from his mother and brother had him back up and following their lead.
Time for a rest! (Click on images to view in larger format.)
Keepers are tracking the times and duration of his nursing; he doesn’t nurse for very long—usually less than a minute—but nurses frequently. You can tell when he’s nursing when one of his front legs leaves the ground. They nurse on three legs; I’m not sure why, but I do know that it is darn cute.
The baby stumbled a bit, but other than going down for a quick nap, he was up and around for the hour I was visiting. He won’t have a name for a while, so keepers will just call him “Baby” or “Semba’s baby.” This is the fourth elephant baby we’ve had born this year, a record for us. The other calves born in 2010 are Lutsandvo, on February 14, Macembe, April 12, and Emanti, May 12. There are now a total of 17 African elephants at the Park: 8 adults and 9 calves.
You can expect to see Baby out with the herd in the main yard, unless there is rain, when he and his mother will be in the upper yard with quick access to the warm, dry barn. They will also be in the upper yard at night for observations for the next five weeks.
Jenny Mehlow is a public relations representative for the San Diego Zoo. Read her previous post, Pandas and Their Toys.
Watch the Park’s elephants daily on Elephant Cam.
What a great article on a new baby – he is so cute too.
Congratulations on the birth of the new baby boy. What a cutie pie he is, and what an incredible Christmas present!
This made me laugh. I couldn’t tell who the female was but she was trying so hard to copy Mabu. Her little back kick as she puts her trunk into ground is cute.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UaygYnJe-U
Baby footage. I like the end where he stalls on the incline…. but he does make it up.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KFCjJZZ7uo
I think that would be Lungile. She’s a bit of a nutcase and a dear one.
Who was the baby in the 2nd video?
That was Samba and Baby out in the field on TUESDAY, the day BEFORE all the rain, 12-28-2010!
LOVE this video of Mabu. He’s acting like his babies… rolling around in the dirt. So adorable! I also love all the baby videos. Thanks for sharing.
The first website shows Mabu and Lungile mudbathing together and is excellent. Also shows why the Keepers had to keep Samba and Baby in the yard yesterday.
Wow… what a great little video… Semba seems to be a good Mom… Helping her little guy out of the puddle of water.. If Semba is the one who normally trumpets new arrivals.. would she trumpet about her own or would one of the other females do it? I love watching the newborn’s trunk and those ears… All his parts seem to have a mind of their own…Poor Keepers.. now they have 4 boys to tear up the exhibit… Congrats SP!!
The Park has their own version. Under the comments for the previous blog the moderator wrote HERE IT IS in green letters. That’s the Park’s version and I am partial to the Park’s version. Perhaps you could post it on your new blog.
Moderator’s note: The video posted with this blog is the Park’s version.
The Park’s version DOES NOT SAY UTUBE on it!
As I tuned in (via internet from Arizona) on Monday morning I thought I saw blood on the ground & Mom & ? guarding something against a rock. Others came to take a peek & finally the newborn wobbled after Mom. He is so cute & I love the way he stays under Mom’s tummy. Even after just 2 days he is walking better.
Thanks for sharing this amazing event with those of us who can’t get to SD Zoo in person.
i am in love
Is it unusual to have this many babies? Do you guys monitor the mating or has Daddy just been extra busy when you weren’t looking.
I love all the babies, it just seems like we are getting a lot more than would be expected.
Congratulations Litsemba on your baby boy, He is too cute.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciRQ-jJJVgI&feature=uploademail
THIS IS THE CORRECT WEBSITE. MADE MISTAKE WHEN TYPING OTHER ONES!
In the list to the right of this video, there is a 4:57 min hand held version that is very interesting, also.
Why would any Zoo hold an ellie down with chains? is this true?
Moderator’s note: The San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park do not chain the elephants.
Many zoo’s do chain there ellies during labor, they do not chain them down to the floor as it sounds
They just chain the feet seperately so the mother can still move and go on with labour, but often since they give birth in indoor stalls, the mother can accidently step on the newborn if turning around, so it is often a better option in the long run if the female is inside to chain the feet
It does not hurt the elephants and they are trained to not be scared of the chains, so it does not effect them at all
Thanks for listening, you guys! I was hoping to see an article about this new baby ellie, and I loved it. I also watched the video that you had with the article about the calf, and he was just as cute and adorable as he can be! I also guessed that seeing 4 baby ellies born in one year–all boys!–would be a record, and the keeper confirmed that in his statement! Was just on the elliecam, and no ellies in the big yard, and you all have more rain again! Hopefully, this won’t be the deluge that you had over a week ago! Will keep checking the cam to see the new little guy later on. Have fun; let us know when you decide on how we will give this new boy his name, ok?
Welcome to the world, little man!!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
When a new blog comes along, it seems to take priority. I would like to recommend that both new and returning viewers should continue to check on the old blogs, such as Park Elephant Update. I would like to give two reasons: 1. The Park version of the birth of Baby Samba can be seen by searching for the words HERE IT IS written in green. Just click and watch.
2. This blog has a list to the right of the video of other videos that can be watched and they are all from the PARK, not all from the ZOO. They include the building of the walkway between the two fields, many videos of births of other African elephants, including Lutsundvor, Mackembay, and Emanti, also born this year. There is even video of Khosi, Punga, and Kami when they were younger. It also includes the birth of giraffe and many other animals at the Park. Enjoy!
Park Elephant Update
Good Morning San Diego, we were actually watching the cam the morning the baby was born, it was amazing how all the other elephants circled Mom to protect her during the birth.
Thank you for this wonderful cam opportunity. I love these elephants and so want to make a trip to San Diego to visit.
Happy New Year!! from Jacksonville FL
They really do that? Did they trumpet his arrival?
Wow! Nobody caught the actual birth on video? I would love to see it!!!
What a joy and surprise when I saw what I thought was a new baby on the morning of the 28th! Took me a while to be certain until I finally saw it’s trunk peek out from under mama (camera angle was kinda weird at the time). Also, the reaction of the other herd members was a give-a-way and so wonderful to watch. It was so disappointing yesterday to have the rain keep baby and mom inside.
Congratulations Litsemba and all the crew!
Is there any news about the Sichuan Takin born on Tuesday, December 28? We happened upon that area just a few minutes after the birth and watched the mother licking the baby until he stood up. He wobbled and fell and kept trying to stand as the mother continued to lick him all over. When we left, he was standing successfully and she was still continuously licking him. Very cute. There’s no news on the website, so I hope he’s OK.
Moderator’s note: Both Mom and Baby are doing great! The little guy weighed in at 22 pounds, and his mother is taking excellent care of him. We’ll see if one of the keepers can write a post about him.
By-the-way……did I see Msholo’s first venture into the big yard the other day?
Moderator’s note: He has indeed been out and about.
Congratulations to Litsemba, caretakers, and San Diego Zoo. Wow! 4 babies in 1 year. What a feat! Best of luck.
12-29-2010 11:14 a.m. First entry in green of 4th comment shows Mabu and Lungile mudbathing together. This should convince everyone that the field was no place for Samba and Baby at the Park yesterday. Go click on the first entry in GREEN and you will see what a muddy place the field was and why the keepers kept Samba and Baby in the yard! It certainly is fun to watch Mabu and Lungile having fun together, though!
Under a pictiure of BABY lying on the ground, it says (click on images to see in larger format). Is the word “images” located on the page or is the word “images” used in place of “picture”?
Moderator’s note: We simply meant that you can click on the photos accompanying the post and see them in a larger format, if you like.
Congratulations with the baby! I read about the new baby on ZooBorns.
Rudi Denmark< Congratulation with new little one, so cute,:) and a proud mom.
Love to see your Farm. You have a warm clima for the Elefants– in Denmark , in Copenhagen Zoo, needs we to hold Elefants inside, here are so cold, with a lot lot snow.Even ours Ice Bears are freezing (they says) Smiles
Does the new baby have an umbilical hernia?
I also happened to be watching at dawn on 12/27, I saw a tight circle with young ones in the middle and the adults facing out. When the circle broke, I saw the new baby wobbling beside Samba (I assume) and they all went out of view behind a rock. A little while later one of the females ran out and trumpeted, this happened twice that I saw. Does anyone know who was trumpeting? Someone had mentioned that this is usually Samba’s job. BTW-loved the mud bathing video!
Can we get an update on how the baby is doing. Haven’t seen or heard anything for a few days. Thanks
It appears at times that Semba’s calf has some difficulties distinguishing where to nurse from.
I keep rewatching the video… Baby ellie is so cute.. Question for the Elephant Team: It took an hour to get them up out of the yard.. How was this done? The keepers always keep a barrier between them and the ellies, right? Is it all done by voice and just coaxing?
Moderator’s note: Yes, the keepers call to the elephant(s) needed.
Sure expensive ???? But, waw if we be able to hear the sound from The Elefants, Great from Denmark
What a precious (belated) Christmas present! I’ve noticed that the vast majority of the herd’s calves are boys, any particular reason for this? Give them all hugs for me!
Happy New Year!!
I saw the baby elephant yesterday. He is very very small and cute!!
Love him! Elephants are amazing animals.
Cute moment. I don’t who they are.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpYV4vNwYHQ
There are only 3 little ones about that size: Lutsundvor, born 2-14-2010; Mackembay, born 4-12-2010; and Emanti, born 5-12-2010. It could have been any two of them. Mackembay was the largest ever born at the Park at 268 pounds, and still weighs the most. Lutsundvor weighed 224 pounds and Emanti weighed 220 pounds. I would say these are the two most likely in the video.
Thanks for showing the video. It was sure a lot of fun to watch and someone really got a lot of action. When two little ones are wrestling with each other, it is always fun to watch!
I saw the little new baby elephant yesterday and noticed that the back of his ears were PINK? How long to they stay pink?
Watched as you carefully let Mabu through the first gate, closed it, and then opened the second gate into Msholo’s field. Mabu marched straight down to the entrance of Msholo’s yard. Don’t know if he saw Msholo or not, but it reminded me of “Gunfight at the OK corral.”
why are there no elephant “families” (babies included) at the san diego zoo? i live in the southern part of san diego county and would love to see some babies without having to drive up to escondido.
San Diego Zoo responds: At the San Diego Zoo, we have an elderly herd of Asian elephants that we are committed to caring for throughout their lifetime. These elephants, which came to the San Diego Zoo from a variety of backgrounds, are important members of our Zoo family and are no longer of breeding age.
Early morning fun…. one of the babies is chasing 2 deer, 2 other kids are playing, while 2 of the adults are trunk dueling. I have not seen the new baby on the cam yet.
A couple hours later… I turn the webcam on and there is new baby!
So so cute!
Congratulations! The Baby is so adorable. And we have the same birthday!
I, too, noticed the beautiful pink backs of new baby’s ears. He loves to flare those ears as he discovers his world. I saw him today and they are a little less pink, but still quite noticeable.
I’ve been watching the little boy today and he looks like he’s sooo happy to be alive, kicking his feet and trying to run, even exloring areas away from mom. He’s just too cute.
I saw that, too. He was having a blast, running around, plopping down, “attacking” the rock. Quite lively for a 9 day old calf, though maybe this is normal? I didn’t get to see the other 2009 babies at that age. He is a lively lil fellow. I look forward to the play sessions with the other babies.
Happy New Year ….. I am noticing on the new baby that his right back leg looks like there is something wrong with it. His knee is not bending like his left back leg. Just an observation. Please check it out. I’m just alittle concerned. I hope all is well. Thank you all and have a fabulous day. Big Hugs …. A.
Saw Samba and Baby out in the field today. At times he seems quite independent. Was able to videotape him as he followed Mom to the east end of the field and again when they started back. He took time to check out Lungile and Umngani, who had decided to lay down on her side on the ground at the time. He can move pretty fast while trying to catch up with Mom after he has been exploring and gotten a ways behind. Lots of fun to watch and what a beautiful day to do it!
Looked at my video from yesterday and agree that Baby has color on the back of his ears. Looks more purple than pink, to me. The pupil of his left eye had a strange look, however. Looks like it is white. Never have noticed anything like it on any of the other calves, and I have seen every one, starting with Moose!
I noticed something odd about his left eye also, I thought maybe something was stuck in the corner of his eye, but haven’t seen him up close enough lately to see if it is still there.
Saw Baby Samba in a really good closeup at 3 p.m. yesterday and both eyes were fine. Whatever appeared to be in the corner of his eye in my video is no longer there. Camera was standing still and saw Baby 3 times in about 30 minutes and he turned completely around each time while sucking water up with his trunk and putting it in his mouth to drink!
I haven’t noticed anything wrong with his leg as someone posted. I haven’t seen a close up of his eyes, so can’t comment on that It would be great if we could get an update on the baby and maybe the keepers could address these comments.
I too haven’t noticed anything going on with his leg, but did happen to see his eye somewhat close up on cam earlier today and saw white in the corner. I wonder if it could possibly be the white of his eye when he looks to the opposite side, even though most times that part never shows in an elephant.
I agree with Kat, an update from the keepers would be appreciated.
Camera has been in a closeup next to the yard area and I saw Baby Samba go through 3 different times and both eyes look the same today. Whatever I saw in my video of yesterday is not there today. .
This is the 3rd birth in the main yard with the rest of the herd, right? Do you think the adults have figured out how to start their labors on purpose before you start the night watches?
Moderator’s note: Interesting theory!
Thank you Moderator, but it’s just a hypothesis. Making it a theory would take a lot of hard work doing research!
I got the impression that elephants prefer to give birth with the supportive presence of their entire herds.
After years of observing zookeepers sequester them with one adult companion for the birth, I’m sure the adults have figured out:
If you wait for your body to go into labor on its own,
then the humans separate you from most of the rest of your herd until after you give birth…
Is there a way for zookeepers who use protected contact to keep a close eye on a birth just in case anything goes wrong (like the way some pregnant women choose hospitals or birthing clinics just in case!) at the same time the elephant giving birth is in the midst of her herd? That would give her the best of both worlds!
Moderator’s note: We had planned to have a birth watch, but Litsemba beat us to it.
The Elephant Team prefers to have the expectant mother in the upper yard for an impending birth in case human intervention is needed. As you can imagine, it would be hard to assist a mother or newborn quickly if surrounded by concerned herdmates.
Congratulations to San Diego Safari Park on the arrival of your new baby boy! This little one is amazing. He is so energetic and joyful, as if he is really, really happy to be here! He’s running around discovering all the great things about his world. If his fans are thinking of names for him, how about “Happy Bundle of Energy” ?
I am wondering a couple of things…. Did I read somewhere that there is another baby coming in the fall? Who’s pregnant? And the other question I have is if you ever let the two males out at the same time in the yard? Is Msholo out and about with the rest of the herd, or separate?
Moderator’s note: Umngani is expecting her third calf in the fall. Yes, Msholo is out with the others.
Just to clarify. Msholo is out with the other elephants, but not out with Mabu. The two males are never together in the same yard, correct?
Moderator’s note: That is correct.
Msholo and Mabu are NEVER in the same field at the same time. Mabu visits Msholo’s field but Msholo is in his yard at that time. Area consists of yard and field. When Mabu is in his own yard or field, Msholo is sometimes in his field with the visitors from Mabu’s side.
What a fun day. Samba and Baby are playing together. Baby flattened his trunk on the ground, Mom did the same, then Mom covered him with dirt, then Baby laid down and Mom laid down beside him and then they walked rapidly up toward the yard. This was really a treat to watch! Have never seen anything like this before!
Lucky! I wish I could’ve seen this.
One really interesting thing about this was where Baby flattened his trunk on the ground. He actually tries to eat something on the ground without his trunk. Now picture Samba doing the same thing! She has her trunk out flat for 5 or 6 feet (whatever length it is) and she is eating off the ground with her mouth! I’m telling you, this was a most fantastic sight, Mom copying a two week old! He’ll be able to grow up and tell his grandchildren!
Little guy loves to show off his ears.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArFRwNJNzSE
All the rain has made the dirt great for dusting.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=todvTCeF5OA
Great video! Hate to contradict, but rain did NOT make the dusting area. Keepers did! Although he is 2 weeks old now, I am sure that if it were to rain again, he would be kept int the yard like he was a week ago. Rain leaves big MUD puddles, not dirt piles. Again, great video. Thanks for sharing!
deb: Thank you for the links. This little baby is simply precious. I’m sure everyone agrees that he has the pinkest, roundest, biggest-little-happy flappin’ ears. Flap, flap, gotta run here, gotta run there, flap, flap, flap. So much to do, so much to see! He’s SO happy and makes us (and his mom it seems) so happy to watch him all day!
Thanks for sharing the links. HE IS SUCH A HAPPY BOY! I love him! My fave part of that dirt video is at the end when Samba lies down with him. Too darn cute!
What wonderful videos – thank you!
I saw something late this morning I had never seen before, though I think I the moderator said the calves have to learn to stay away from Swazi?!
The little guy went charging up to I think greet her son (if he’s one of the young ones), and as he came up behind her, she put out her rear leg and pushed him hard sideways – he stumbled but didn’t go down and kept coming. When he reached her trunk, she again swung at him knocking him away. By this time, mom was hurrying up from the other side, and backed near to Swazi (a sign of submission?)to rescue him. She wrapped her trunk around him and moved him forward away from her. I am only assuming it was Swazi as I still don’t know them, even with the guide printed out in front of me. This was surprising as I have seen the aunties only be supportive to all the calves, stopping some play if it got rough and tumble occasionally, and he is so small. He does love his ears and, I swear, even with a trunk he reminds me of Mickey Mouse when his ears are at full alert!
Linda
Yes Linda I saw that too and it was Swazi and eMacembe you saw. Swazi has some what of a split tail and slightly longer left tusk. Where as Moya (second on the hierarchy had a longer right tusk and full tail) if that helps you any to identify them. The previous day Moya had struck out at Baby and knocked him down along the barn area.
I agree with you, he reminds me of Mickey Mouse with those ears fully flared.
Thank you, Donna, I am making a note of your comments on my cheat sheet.
It’s all part of life’s learning for them, I guess, where they fit in the hierarchy. Learning to identify them is part of the fun on a site I spend way too much time on at the office – completely addicting.
You’re welcome Linda, I spend most afternoons watching, I have the adults figured out it’s still the younger ones except for Musi and Baby of course to get straight as to who’s who, unless they are with their moms.
I know what you mean Linda… I think it’s a good think that I can’t view the Polar or Ellie cams at work since they switched over.. but I still have the Panda Cam!!
But I miss watching the babies during the day…
I have access to all 3 at work… and yes, it is addicting to watch those adorable babies. About 20 mins ago, I was watching new baby nurse and be with Samba. He is just too cute.
Thank you very much for the videos, I just can not get enough these Ellies !!
some one please keep them coming. I live in Raleigh NC
I have two extra mud videos.
I like the one where the two youngsters study Mabu on how to roll in the mud properly.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yJNcEms4qg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8QlOkQfMo0
In the top video, the youngsters are teaching both Mabu AND Moose!
LA has a new video with Tina and Jewel (and Billy)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUIzGkFV_d8
Billy and Tina touching
http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=1504062494350&set=o.242124560272
Tina splashing around
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=603390&id=242124560272&fbid=10150391464615273#!/photo.php?fbid=1504062494350&set=o.242124560272
Excited to see baby elephant and the herd. Love showing my daycare kids the animals.
We need an update from Curtis on the newest baby… I’m sure they have some stories to tell about his personality already.. It sure doesn’t take Swazi very long to teach the young ones that she’s “Queen Ellie”… I never thought that Moya would make sure the babies understand that she’s second in command… but I guess it makes sense…
The operator of the elephant cam is making me seasick!
I agree with Mary, does the same person work the cam each day, ?
Moderator’s note: Sometimes the Cam “sticks” and then quickly moves to catch up, but we will remind our Cam operators to move the Cam slowly.
Samba and Baby is the name of the 31 minute DVD I will be delivering to the Keepers and staff next Tuesday. Covers from 12-27-10 to 1-11-11. Baby’s purple ears are always flapping and there are lots of closeups for your viewing pleasure.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE NEW BABY ELEPHANT MEETS TODAY LIFE MONTH