Kami, left, and Emanti
Four-year-old Kami and her 18-month-old brother, Emanti, are interacting with the rest of the African elephant herd at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. The siblings continue to be cared for by the other females, or “aunts,” in the herd following the death of their mother, Umoya, on November 17 (see post Loss to Elephant Family). Keepers report that the two youngsters seem to be fine. Click on the link below to view Kami and Emanti with the herd.
Kami has a close relationship with the other female calf in the herd, Khosi, and the two girls like to “babysit” the other elephant calves. It is very common to see Kami and Khosi together or with Umngani, who is Khosi’s mother. Umngani can often be seen surrounded by her own three calves as well as having Kami and Emanti in tow.
The siblings are continuing to grow and gain weight, and Emanti appears to have hit a growth spurt: he has gained 88 pounds in the last four days! Kami and Emanti’s diet consists of three types of hay (Bermuda, Sudan, and alfalfa) and the alfalfa-based “herbivore supplement” pellets with added minerals and vitamins that are fed to the elephants during training sessions. They are also given leafy branches of acacia and ficus to munch on each day.
Emanti and Kami’s growth and close interactions with the herd have demonstrated that, as expected, the herd is taking care of these calves as one of their own.
Thank you very much for the update on Emanti and Kami. We’ve all been very worried about them and how wonderful to hear they’ve gained weight and are being cared for by the aunties. Thank you for including the video, it means alot to see them up close like that and to see they are doing well.
This is great news! Love how Umnganis family has taken in Kami and Emanti!
thanks, it is good to know that Kami and particularly Emanti are being social and having enough nutrition. Umngani must be thinking, whoa, how did I get a family of 5?
Great news, at least at this stage, although not all too surprising that apparently Kami and Emanti have become part of Umngani’s extended family. But I am wondering if the tragic loss of Umoya may now lead to a rise in Umngani’s status to where she will assume the role of 2nd dominant female over the entire herd ?
Thank you so much for the update. I have seen Umngani with 5 youngsters a few times and thought that was what happened. They are in good hand between the elephants and the keepers.
Since elephants are usually a tight family group, I was so suprised when it was thought that Umoya’s death was due to a fight or at least at-the-hands of one of the other elephants. Any more info about what happened?
Moderator, if you can please answer this question…How many of the original Elephants are left now from the herd that was brought over to the USA from South Africa? I am an avid Africam watcher and one of the cams I do watch is the one from Kruger National Park. Thank you for your time and again, so sorry for the park’s loss, too sad!
Moderator’s note: Of the seven who came to us in 2003, we now have six. Msholo came to the U.S. at that same time, but spent his first few years at the Lowry Park Zoo in Florida before moving to the Safari Park in 2009. So currently we have seven who were born in Africa.
Thanks for this update. I am so impressed with Khosi. She is so gentle and affectionate with all the littler ones.
Oh my goodness, 88 pounds in 4 days??? Is that right? Who’s been sneaking chips and ice cream and bon bons to him?
Moderator’s note: It’s correct!
Thank you so much for keeping us updated on the little ones, my question is, if you have a moment, is Emanti nursing from Umngani? if not, how is he getting the correct nutrients he needs yet?
It’s good to hear that Kamil & Emanti seem to be doing well and that the herd is looking out for them. It’s so devastating to an elelphant family when they lose one of their own so it’s just wonderful to hear the kids are being taken care of.
Thanks for the update about Kami and Emanti. I have been wondering how these 2 kids have been doing since they lost their mom. Looks like their aunts are doing a great job looking after them, and that Khosi has been involved in watching over them, too. Umngami has got to be wondering how she managed to have 5 kids instead of her own 3 kids! Looks like to me that Kami and Emanti have already adopted Umngami as their new mom! I figured that these 2 calves would be fine with all of their family around them.
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone at WAP, and to all of the ellies!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
thank you for the wonderful update; glad to hear the aunties and taking care of the little ones
do you know what and who caused the death of Moya?
How fun to see the kids doing well. It certainly shows how an extended family can help transition and care for all it’s members. Don’t worry Emanti – some weeks I feel like I’ve gained that much weight too!
I’ve watched this webcam for years and have seen calves nursing far longer than 18 months. Not to mention everything I’ve read says calves nurse longer. Also in Africa orphan calves are bottle fed much longer. Why is it ok for Emanti to no longer have formula?
Emanti is still breastfeeding too, right?
I remember that even when Umoya was alive, sometimes updates on the SDZ website would mention babies trying to drink milk from adults other than their own mothers and the adults letting them do that (Lungile too let them try, and didn’t Mabhulane bear with it when Phakamile or one of his sons tried?).
Just saw something cute on the elliecam at around 7:20pm tonite (EST). There were about 7 mule deers in the elephant yard doing some grazing and roaming around. Then, one of the ellies decided to be the deer herder for the day and started herding the deers to the back of the yard. Don’t know where the deers come into the ellie yard or where they get out, but I like them in there with the ellies. It just looks like the real savanna of Africa when there’s a mix of animals in the ellie yard!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
That sounds so cool!
Wonder where the elephant got the idea of grouping the deer together to get them to a different part of the exhibit…
Happy Birthday! The unnamed boy is 2 old months old now. I see him pushing Emanti around and Emanti is not pushing back yet! When will the newest member of the herd get a name? Thank you
Good day to you…I just needed to say a huge THANK YOU to the zoo staff that cares for the elephants. This morning, while the staff was cleaning the yards, I had the pleasure of watching a male staff member play hide and go seek (of course he was on the other side of the fence for safety reasons I would venture to guess) with one of the litterer elephants. For just a few precious moments, I had the opportunity to see just how much the elephant staff truly cares for these precious creatures. This male keeper would run a few short steps and the little elephant would back up with his ears fully up and then run towards the keeper. Then the keeper would run to the side and play peek-a-boo with him. It was just so cute!!! I sat there and watched this in tears of joy to see this time of interaction between man and animal. Please don’t reprimand the keeper, instead, give him a smile and tell him from me that the compassion and love he showed the little elephant gave me such a warm feeling of joy to watch. Thank you a million times over to ALL of you for loving these animals as if they were your own families. GOD BLESS each of you!!!!
I don’t think the keeper would be reprimanded for that. Seems more like a form of enrichment for the calf. A happy calf makes for a happy keeper.
That is so sweet! Nothing cuter then baby elephants with their little flared ears!
Could it be possible that Emanti’s weight gain is related to the loss of Moya?Sometimes humans find comfort in food when depressed, perhaps this may be true in elephants too. Though I’d like to think it’s more a growth spurt at 18 months of age as stated. Has there been documentation of the Luti and Macembe going through the same spurt since they are so close in age to Emanti?
Some of the things we see on this cam are just indescribably joyful. Today I saw two trainers patting Mabu and he was very happy. His tail was swinging and seemed like he was simply having the happiest day of his life. It always makes me sad to read negatives about Mabu. What happened may or may not have involved him, but he is so magnificent and I just love him. It was truly nice to see some special attention given to him. Sometimes he looks lonely and this was great. Made my day, and it looks like it made his day too!
I’ve noticed Punga shoving Kami occasionally, driving her away from his pile of food. Is this something new, or is it something he’s always done? Perhaps I just never paid attention to it before.
when thinking about Emanti, I felt sorry wondering whose trunk would he rest under. it may be Emanti or another of the 2010 tuskless calves but occasionally I see one walking briefly under Lungile’s trunk while she is feeding. and she doesn’t mind and it is nice for the calf. I hope that is Emanti.
I could see why Mabu is spending more solitary time but at the same time I also feel for him. he is so stately. it is funny b/c while the other elephants run like children to get pellets and move from one enclosure to the next, Mabu just saunters. hopefully he and the rest will be happy and peaceful.
thanks to keepers for putting so much energy to clean after and look after the elephants’ health. it seems like much physical work but probably very rewarding to interact with elephants individually.
I know one of “aunts” is pregnant, but I forget who and when she’s due. If someone could refresh my memory I would appreciate it!
Moderator’s note: We don’t have any elephant pregnancies to announce at this time.
Oops! Thought one of them was. Thank you for the correction!
Michelle, I did read a little statement from the moderator on one of the articles about a month or so ago that Msholo did breed with 2 of the female elephants this past summer in his yard (sorry but forgot the 2 girls’ names!), but we all don’t really know if they are pregnant yet. Hope to have an update about these 2 ellie moms on the pregnancy news soon.
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
Chari.. the ellies were Moya (RIP) and Lungile I believe.. would be nice to see Lungile have another calf.
Yeah, Donna! Me too! Lungile has been kind of left out of the momma club, but she has been a very good aunt to all of the other calves since she lost her first baby ellie! Hope everything goes good for Lungile, that she does become pregnant, and she has a calf that she can really care for soon! Keep your fingers crossed!!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
I saw the ctuest thing yesterday. Baby, and I believe Sundzu, were playing and then Sundzu mounted Baby and poor baby kinda crumpled because, I’m guessing, Sundzu’s too heavy for him yet. Then Baby tried to mount Sundzu, but he’s not all enough and couldn’t grab on. He kept trying until he finally gave up. It was so cute.
I have noticed over time that seemingly a few small piles of a brown colored substance have been left on the yard ground or sometimes sprinkled along the top of a yard log feature. From a distance it first looked like coffee grounds but then on one cam closeup of a log it appeared as if it was some sort of tightly knit brown lichen or whatever. The ellies do nibble at it occasionally but do not eat very much at one time. Is this a food item ? Thank you.
Moderator’s note: You’re seeing beet pulp, a great source of fiber for our elephants!
Well, talking about momma ellies being pregnant, I got some news from the Memphis Zoo website yesterday about one of their female elephants! The Nov 9, 2011 update from the MZ ellie keepers have announced that their African female ellie, Gina, has been confirmed by the vets and thru ultrasound that she is pregnant!! After a nearly 22 month gestation, the MZ staff feel that Gina will be having her first calf around August, 2012. Gina is 28 years old. Gina went thru 2 AI procedures on October 24 & 25, 2010, then they waited until this past month to see if she was pregnant. They will be keeping an eye on her and monitor her thru the next 8 months to make sure that her pregnancy goes well, she’s eating for 2, and that she has a very successful delivery. Gina being pregnant with her first calf is great news for MZ when they as well as other zoos and sanctuaries are working very hard to have a sustained captive population of African elephants, plus working very hard towards keeping the wild African ellies sustained in their various African habitats. Will try to keep track of Gina as she goes thru her pregnancy in the next several months.
Just watched the ellie cam and saw a few ellies roaming around grabbing some grass or hay to munch on.
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
I just thought of something! I counted the months of when the MZ vets did the 2 AIs on Gina in October 2010, and when they announced her pregnancy in November 2011. That was almost 11 months that they had to wait to finally determine whether Gina was pregnant or not. Does it really take THAT LONG for a female elephant to start showing signs of being pregnant?? That’s quite a waiting time for everybody to see if a momma ellie is pregnant or not! WOW!!! Chari :}
Cute how the little guy seems to be fascinated by the log features and really enjoys exploring amongst them…. that is until Khosi notices him and then interrupts his fun. Also appears that an additional or a new replacement HD cam has been recently added, since often the view now seems to be from a higher angle?
Does Baby have a name yet? How are Emanti and Kami doing? Who is going to Reid Park Zoo? So many questions – inquiring minds want to know!
San Diego Zoo Global responds: The elephant calves continue to be well accepted by the herd and are being watched over by both elephants and keepers. They are eating and gaining weight well, as expected. We are still working out the details of who will move to the Reid Park Zoo. Please be patient, as this requires a lot of thought into the social structure, genetics, and more.
“We are still working out the details of who will move to the Reid Park Zoo. Please be patient, as this requires a lot of thought into the social structure, genetics, and more.”
The “and more” includes letting Phakamile and Emanti stay with Mabhulane since their papa is the only parent they have left, right?
The “and more” doesn’t have anything to do with the orphans and Mabhulane. Male elephants have nothing to do in the rearing of calves.
I sometimes see people posting about how Mabhulane is so gentle with his kids and is a Proud Papa. I’m talking about that elephant, not about normal male elephants and what they do in the wild.
So cute watching Umngani’s calf trying to nap in a somewhat upright laying position without falling over to his side. At least till mom came along and made him get up.
When will his name be announced?
Moderator’s note: Baby’s name will be announced soon.
I hope his new name has something to do with what a feisty little guy he is. He amazes me in the way he holds his own with those older boys!
I noticed this morning that the ellies had flakes put out early which they don’t normally get till one of the yards is cleaned.. They all seem a lot more content since in the past I’ve noted they are some what short tempered shall we say with each other. Perhaps the long period between last feeding the day before and first one of the morning is too long of a time for them to go without eating. Just a thought.
Just tuned in and saw what looked like a large cage in the yard. Can you share what is going on?????
San Diego Zoo Global responds: Transport crates have been placed in the elephant habitat at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park to allow elephants to become acclimated to them. A group of elephants is expected to move to the Reid Park Zoo’s new elephant habitat sometime in 2012. Offering animals access to these crates is an important part of the long-term process of preparing for any move.
I don’t know if this has ever been asked or not. How many elephant keepers are there for the herd? How many elephants are assigned to a keeper and I would presume all the keepers work with all the elephants to some degree at one time or another so that the elephants are accustomed to them when they have to cover vacations, sick time, etc.
Moderator’s note: You are correct, all of the elephant keepers work with each elephant to make sure that each pachyderm has a good relationship with its human caretakers. There are more than a dozen experienced keepers who exclusively work with this species.
When I tuned this morning I noticed Koshi was separated from the rest of the herd. Was there a reason?
Been often said before, but I want to add my own congrats about the meticulous job that is done in the huge daily task of cleaning the ellie yards. Also I was wondering if maybe you folks are waiting for Christmas Day to announce the baby’s name. And then maybe also give him his first soft food as a gift treat ? All seems fitting, since he will be almost exactly 3 months old at that time as well. : )
I have noticed several times this week that when the majority of the elephants are moved to the other yard in the morning that Emanti and Kami are kept back from going along. Is there any specific reason for this?
Could it be that these are the 2 that are going to be getting relocated to Reid Park Zoo?
Moderator’s note: No decision has been made about which elephants are moving to the Reid Park Zoo.
We weigh Emanti every day at some point during our day, so we usually separate him and Kami from the herd to make it easier on us when we decide to weigh him. Other than those times, it’s pretty random when we put them with the entire herd, with just some of the herd, with just Umngani’s clan, or just the two of them.
I have been watching the ellies for a long time and have always wondered why Lungile has no tusks. Has she ever had them and just lost them over time for whatever reason ( similiar to Ndula) or has she never grown them to a visible state?
Elephant Team responds: Lungile has had barely visible tusks for most of her time here. When we’re training her, and we look underneath the flap covering the tusk or when doing a mouth exam, we can see that her tusks are actually very thick, but short and not visible from any other perspective.
I would think then since she’s been there this long that the odds aren’t good that they will grow to visible state. Is that unusual for an elephant’s tusks not to grow and lengthen?
Elephant Team responds: Lungile’s tusks have been super short since she and Vus’musi developed their play fighting between the gates and wires a few years ago. She just wears them down.
Are there army toys in the yard? Looks like a cannon?
Moderator’s note: Logs?
Apparently, patience is not very much of an ellie virtue. They will often get on the keepers’ cases if their wants and needs are not attended to immediately. Mabu seems to be one of the most impatient initially. Although Umngani soon takes over as a very stern taskmaster, continually demanding compliance by the human staff. I assume that the keepers are under no delusion about their own status and realize that it’s the ellies who are actually in charge. So better keep up the good work …. your ellie supervisors are watching ! : )
First, i would like to extend Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of the Ellie staff… what a great team you have at the San Diego Zoo!
I was just wondering why Emanti was being weight every day? is he not eating properly since the passing of his Mother?
Karen- Most calves nurse at least till around age 3 or longer. Since Emanti can no longer do that with Moya being gone, I would presume the keepers are weighing him daily to make sure he’s eating enough food to compensate for the loss of his mother’s milk.
I had noticed after Moya’s passing, staff members watching the herd for a period of time which is understandable to see how Emanti and Kami were doing and fitting in without their mother.
However I have noticed that practise has started up again over the last while and at times the staff observing them has been taking notes.
I wondered whether this time, it is in preparation for the choosing of which elephants will go to Reid Park or whether there is some other reason for the observation?
One quick question: the elephants frequently cross their hind legs while standing. Are they cooling off or just being relaxed? I read somewhere they use their foot pads as part of their cooling system in addition to their ears. Thanks!
I want to wish danny a happy 1st birthday on the 27th. Good girl GANI (mommy) Khosi is the best big sister to BABY. I love to watch everyday.
I tuned into the cam around 2 pm EST and saw what appeared to be baby ellie attempting to eat something on the ground in an area of loosend dirt.
Also the keepers were intently watching him across the yard. After baby walked away it appeared to be a banana on the ground ? Was that the case or was it just my imagination?? Thank you.
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OF THE ELEPHANT FAMILY AT WAP, ESPECIALLY KAMI AND EMANTI!!
Chari
Unable to view ele cam with iPad. Does anyone know why?
I too have not been able to view the ellies on my ipad either! I miss them.:-(
I emailed the zoo and they said that iOS does not work with what they have. Bummer, because it is so nice to relax away from that big laptop. Wonder if they will have an app or something in the near future? At least I am no longer wondering if something is wrong with my iPad.
Moderator’s note: We are exploring mobile solutions for the Cams.
Happy Birthday Sondzu !
One or two of the ellies are looking quite round. Any pregnancies to announce yet?
Happy New Year to everyone!
Happy 1st Birthday, little Sondzu! When’s the ‘cake’ come out?
When I ‘tuned in’ earlier this morning, Ingani and Masholo (sp?) were in a bit of a head to head tussle – not sure if it was play or not so much, seemed more like not so much. It ended with Ingani backing away while raising her trunk and head up and down, up and down, and Masholo turned around and walked off. Then Ingani got down on one or both front knees and dug in the dirt a bit. When she got up she was feeling her left tusk with her trunk. A little later a closeup revealed that, sure enough, the tip of her left tusk is chipped off. I’m curious as to whether that happened during the tussle, or the dirt digging – and if it was from the tussle, why dig in the dirt – maybe filing/smoothing off any rough edges? If not, what was she doing on her knees digging in the dirt? Thanks.
What are those nail-like spikes for that are on the piles of rocks?
guess I may never know : (
Moderator’s note: My guess it that the spikes keep birds from resting there, but I’ve forwarded your question to our Elephant Team.
If you look closely when able to via a cam close up.. you can see that there are wires running from each spike to the next. I would think that’s too keep the ellies from attempting to move the rocks about. Just an idea
thanks for your responses — good ideas! I’ll be watching for the final word : )
To Paula regarding your spike and rock question. My offering is the space is fenced off to keep the elephants out of the rock pile to avoid their pudgy feet from getting stuck in a rock crevice. There is also a drop off on the back side into the pool below (I think). The facility might also be trying to save the trees from the little taste testers.
Sara, that thanks was meant for your comment too, I just placed my comment in there out of place
I think Sara may also be right, if I recall correctly at one time Msholo used to climb up along the edge to pull down branches from that tree so he could eat the leaves/branches. The wires and posts may be a way to stop him from doing that..
Though I have seen him climb up the wall with his front legs to grab branches off the smaller trees between the two yards.
Paula, we’ve determined you are seeing hot wires that surround some of the trees to protect them from the elephants’ appetites.
thank you : ) Mystery Solved! that makes a lot of sense too –
Umngani and Mabu (the large bull in the old Asian ele enclosure, 9:10am) seem to be having altercations (trunk pushing) this morning. he is testing her for estrous activity, which is typical. but they seem to display more physical conflict than I’ve seen in the past. usually Umngani would walk away and that would be the end. but he is being more persistent, so Umngani is having more head to head pushing with him.
is Mabu of age where he could potentially come into musth? I tend to believe there are biological/environmental reasons for his behavior. for some reason I believed he was too young for musth cycles but do not know that scientific research.
Male adult elephants come into musth once a year so I’ve read and Mabu is definitely an adult
When I visited Safari Park last Thursday, one of the keepers told me the baby had been given a name. Unfortunately I didn’t write it down. Can someone tell me what it is? And if anyone is going to Safari Park, I recommend the Behind-the-Scenes tour. It was so cool to stand so close to Mabu and see just how HUGE he is. Also, feeding a black rhino and an okapi was a real treat — something you don’t do every day.
The information you get about what goes on behind the scenes at the Park is really informative. You’ll love it! 
Moderator’s note: I haven’t heard that the baby has been named (maybe the keepers shared what a nickname they’re using?), but when the name does get chosen, we’ll be sure to let everyone know. Glad to hear you had such a great time on the behind-the-scenes tour!
I know the ele keepers are very busy but maybe could one of them whip up a quick update?
Mabu is the father of all the calves except Musi. Maybe you meant the other bull, Msholo?
Oops, my earlier comment was meant for Carol.
Since none of the adult females are related and Swazi has taken the role of dominant ellie with Lungile being in the bottom position. What order are the remaining females within the herd?
I believe I read in one of the blogs that Umngani is 2nd in command.
Moya was second after Swazi which is why I asked about the hierachy of the herd now that she is gone.
I meant now that Moya is gone. *RIP*
still curious as to the rest of the adult females ranking with the herd
Moderator’s note: Your question has been forward to our Elephant Team.
The hierarchy has not changed for the elephants, but the sub-dominates have more opportunities to “flex their muscles” without Umoya around to keep them in check.
Thanks for the response, Perhaps I should have worded my question better as I’ve never been completely sure as to who ranks where other than Swazi, Moya and Lungile’s positions within the females. So let’s try this again hopefully more clearly.. Swazi is 1st, Lungile is 5th-where does Dula, Samba and Umngani place in the order of dominance?
Moderator’s note: I’ll try to get clarification for you.
From what I’ve read in an older blog(Aug/09).. the hierachy was researched to be Swazi, Moya, Dula, Umngani, Semba and Lungile. so everyone has moved up one position then since Moya’s passing?
Though lately one would think Umngani has taken over as head of the females with her behaviour.
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF THE ELEPHANT FAMILY AT WAP AND ALL OF THEIR KEEPERS!! Looking for a great 2012 with a possible birth of a calf later in the year or the next year from Lungile, and that Emanti and Kami will be 2 very happy ellie kids! Also, I almost forgot! Happy 1st birthday to Sondzu (a couple of days late)!! Hope he enjoyed his bday snackies with his mom and family! Have a great weekend, you all!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
Happy New Year 2012 !!! In the absence of more information, as usual I am wildly speculating again, this time about those ellies who were separated from the main herd in the near yard today (mid afternoon EST). In the short time I was available to watch the cam, there appeared to be about 5 (? ) ellies, including an adult female (Swazi (?) and her calf, + an adult male ( Msholo (?) , and also two other juvies of different ages who were wandering off on their own. It seems somewhat logical to me that any ellies selected for an eventual move to Reid Zoo, might be separated from the rest of the SDZ herd well in advance, in order to help ease any trauma of separation and transition to a future new home? Thank you for any further info.
Have not been able to get the elephant cam or the “Meet the Elephants” section from SDZ website since Umoya died. Is anyone else having this problem?
Moderator’s note: It has a new location on the Safari Park’s website: http://www.sdzsafaripark.org/video/elephant_cam.html
Is there any chance the Elephant Cam site can post links to the other cams at SDZ? I love the cams and bounce about to see who is getting a close up, but it’s not so easy from this site. It is so nice to be able to check what’s up between meetings, too!
Looking forward to Baby getting a name!
Moderator’s note: Your suggestion will be forwarded to our Web Team.
I get to the elephant cam by logging in to the zoo site first. All 3 (4) of the other cams can be visited, and if I am on the elephant cam, I just hit my ‘back’ arrow to get back to the zoo cam I left. I bounce around also.
The Park’s newest calf has been named Inhlonipho (meaning respect, honor, reverence, good manners,). We’ll probably nickname him “Po” or “Nee-po.”
if this is the calf’s name could we have a pronounciation break down please
Elephant Team responds: It can be pronounced “In low nee po” OR “In show nee po” works as well, since the “hl” in SiSwati makes a “sh” sound sometimes.
poor Sundzu! baby frequently instigates play by trying to mount Sundzu, which he can do for a couple seconds now despite their size difference. baby even chases Sundzu to practice play. it is as if baby does not know his small size and just wants to practice what he sees the other males doing. but when Sundzu tries to mount baby or show that he is stronger, one of the girl calves or Umngani will scold Sundzu. I guess baby is like the little brother Sundzu never wished for. but perhaps Sundzu was like this towards Emanti when they were younger.
It is quite interesting to watch the procedure(s) to separate ellies into desired groups, and then herd them among the different yards and other enclosures. Thankfully, most of them seem to cooperate for the most part. Obviously it all involves much detailed prior planning for a precisely well executed performance of ‘musical ellie chairs’ choreographed by the handlers.
I just read in our newspaper that Cookie from Elephant Odessy has died. Did I see her when I visited a couple years ago? I remember 3 ellies that would get into the pool and the keepers would feed them. One had a part of her ear removed due to an infection many years ago…
Moderator’s note: Most likely you saw Cookie out and about. But the elephant who is missing a portion of her ear is Tembo, who was most likely with her friends Devi and Sumitha that day at the pool.
RIP Cookie….
Just discovered the San Diego zoo has an app with live cams of Polars and pandas which are great on iPad. Does this mean we will soon be getting the safari park elephants on cam, and when? Love it! Need it on the mobile!
I’ve been very distraught this weekend after hearing of losing sweet Cha Cha and Cookie. I’ve lived here all my life and grew up with these two dear hearts so i feel they are family to me. I know they must have been in great pain and distress so even though it hurts deeply i’m relived that they suffer no longer. I would really love to make some kind of memorial for them but i don’t have any still photos of them, just lots of video. I know you are all busy but this is important that they have something in honor of their decades of entertaining us. Feel free to pass my email addy onto anyone who could share photos of them with me. Bless the keepers who must be mourning deeply during this time. Thank you.
Moderator’s note: We hope to have a blog post soon about these dear elephants from one of their keepers. It will include some photos.
if you type in their names, you can find many links to sites about their passing. I found at least 2 with photos of them.. RIP Cha Cha and Cookie
There are over 6,000 photos of elephants in facilities on the web at asian elephant.net The locations are listed worldwide with linage plus multiple photos and lifespan timelines for each facility. You will probably find the photos of Cookie and Cha Cha on that site. Blessings to you for caring.
Is it true that Mislo was never able to produce offspring in Florida?. My sympathies on the two wonderful Asian deathes.
Moderator’s note: Thank you, George. It is true that Msholo did not father any offspring while at the Lowry Park Zoo.
I am curious as to why Msholo’s pool doesn’t have water in it like the main yard does? I would think even with it being cooler weather and having drinkers available that the elephants while in that yard would appreciate having water in the pool if they choose to use it as well as being safer then an empty one is.
The pool in the west yard, where Msholo lives, is empty because in the winter the elephants don’t swim in it as the water gets too cold from the cool evenings. It would be a huge waste of water to use the pool as a drinker when we have fresh water available from actual drinkers located in the exhibit. The same goes for the pool in the east exhibit, but because it is shallower, we fill it to the second step on occasion. If the weather is warm enough, some of the elephants may venture in it for a quick dip. In the east yard we have fresh water running down the moat and in a smaller drinker. It would be another huge waste of water to use either pool as a drinker because it gets dirty from the elephants urinating and defecating in it.
Was just watching Umngani getting her foot worked on, that was really neat to see.
Does the baby know how to take a bath yet? Does he drink water with his trunk now? It seems like the water level in the main yard’s pool is raised to about bathing level for the larger elephants. Is it warm enough that they would resume playing in the pool?
Moderator’s note: Your questions have been sent to our Elephant Team.
I too wonder about the bath, as I’ve never caught him on cam going into the pool. As to drinking water, I’ve seen him inhale water in his trunk but not be able to hold it in nor take it into his mouth yet.
Condolences about 2 Asian elephants.
What happened to Cookie? Did she die of old age? And Cha Cha, too? RIP sweet ellies.
San Diego Zoo responds: On Christmas morning, animal care staff did an emergency procedure on Asian elephant Cha Cha at the San Diego Zoo’s Elephant Care Center. Her keepers had noticed that Cha Cha was having trouble eating and drinking. After anesthetizing her, veterinarians were able to determine that she had a mass of food material blocking her esophagus but were not able to remove it. Two days later, using equipment specially designed for the procedure, staff worked to remove the mass. Although the blockage was relieved and intensive care was provided, Cha Cha’s condition continued to deteriorate over the following days, and on January 4, animal care staff made the difficult decision to euthanize her. Cha Cha was estimated to be 43 years old.
Zoo animal care staff had worked with Cookie for many months to manage health concerns related to several geriatric conditions. She was estimated to be about 56 years old. Over the last couple of weeks her condition continued to deteriorate and severely affect her quality of life. On January 6, animal care staff made the difficult decision to euthanize her.
Thank you. I can imagine how it was for the staff to make the decision and do the procedures, but at least now they are no longer in pain. I read somewhere on your site that Mary and Cookie were very close. I imagine Mary must be grieving the loss of her friend. A sad time for humans and animals alike.
Moderator’s note: Yes. Thank you, Marie.
You all, humans and herd alike, have my condolences for the loss of Cha Cha and Cookie.
Cookie herself was grieving Cha Cha in her final days too, right?
On occasion one can see an ellie, who I presume is Msholo in the area past the gate in the west yard, east of the gate where the keepers enter with their equipment. I was wondering where this leads to or is it just a holding area while keepers clean the yard?
Moderator’s note: It’s a smaller yard for the elephant(s) when the larger yard needs to be cleaned.
While watching the ellies on cam this morning (8:15 pst) Umngani and Mabu seemed upset with the rest of the herd, to the point of Umngani chasing one of the calves to the point of him falling and seems to be favoring his right front leg. Then the keepers came rushing over from cleaning the west yard to give them food, thankfully everyone seemed to settle down after that.. I hope the youngster who got hurt is alright.
Moderator’s note: Your question has been forwarded to our Elephant Team.
That was not Mabu, who now resides in the area where Msholo used to reside. Msholo, who now resides in the area where Mabu used to reside, was causing the problem, running all around the field quite rapidly. The Keepers got Msholo into the yard and things then seemed to return to normal, The youngsters are quite flexible (after all, they practice the manly arts of pushing and shoving each other with quite a few falls on a regular basis) and this one seemed to be moving normally just a few minutes later.
Thanks Don. didn’t get a close enough look to realize that it was Msholo.. I can usually tell all the elephants apart, just things happened too fast to figure out who it was and the cam went off him and focused on Umngani. I’m glad to hear the youngster is fine with no lingering effects from the fall.
The ape cam is now on the iPad app along with the polars and pandas. Will the elephants at the safari park be next and soon? I miss them so much now that I have gone to mostly iPad. Would they be on the same app or would the safari,park be creating a separate app from the zoo?
Web Team responds: It will be part of the Safari Park app coming out later this year.
Looking forward to it!
Due to the relatively large amounts of ficus and acadia branches required for the ellies, (esp Umngani) : ) …… I was wondering if they were they obtained commercially or grown on SDZ-maintained tree farms? Thank you.
Moderator’s note: We grow all of our animals’ browse material on Zoo and Park grounds as well as a browse farm we maintain off site.
Hi! I just read some comments about what happened to ChaCha and Cookie, the 2 Asian elephants at Elephant Odyssey. Sorry to hear that they both passed away last week due to their age and ongoing health problems. I’m sure that the EO ellie keepers are very sad to lose 2 great ellies, but it is a big job working with and caring for aging elephants like the ones at EO. Hopefully, the other ellies were able to have their viewing of their ellie buddies and grieve for them in their own ways.
Any new news about Tina and Jewel at the LA Zoo recently? I’m just wondering how these 2 girls are doing since they have been there for quite a few months now. Hoping that they are happy and healthy!
I also read that Umoya and Msholo had a little bit of a tussle lately! Looks like a couple of ellie personalities that are not clicking too well right now. The keepers are very good at calming those kinds of situations down between ellies. I also hope that the little calf that was caught in the middle of that tussle is doing good now.
Gonna go for now. Please write us a new update about all of the ellies, ok? We haven’t had a new update for awhile, and would like to know how Emanti and Kami have been doing in the last couple of months. Will appreciate it alot!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
Lutsandvo seems fine.
Inhlonipho! Nee Po, cute name, what does it mean? It is great to know his name!
Elephant Team responds: Inhlonipho can mean respect, honor, reverence, or good manners.
Nice to see the new baby’s name on the Meet the Elephants page!
I got a few more suggestions for whenever you have time:
In Mabhulane’s section: “He is the father of Khosi,Impunga, Phakamile, Ingadze, Lutsandvo, eMacembe, Emanti, Tsandzikle, and our newest calf.” should have Inhlonipho’s name added now that he has one.
In Umngani’s section: Again, add Inhlonipho’s name.
In Msholo’s section: “He came from the Hlane Game Reserve in Swaziland; other elephants from that same reserve now living here at the Park are Swazi, Umoya, and Umngani.” should be rephrased now that Umoya has died.
In Khosi’s section: Again, add Inhlonipho’s name. Also, she’s not an adorable little female anymore – she’s an adorable big girl. Also, adding a mention of her tooth caps would be cool for newbies to the cam page, so they can tell which elephant she is when she appears.
In Ingadze’s section: He’s a big full-brother now as well as a big half-brother, add a mention of Inhlonipho.
In Tsandzikle’s section: Include how you named him! The etymology bits on the other elephants’ names (especially like you did for Ingadze) are cool.
In Inhlonipho’s section: include how you named him too.
Umoya’s section shouldn’t be just moved to the end, it should also have some more distinction, like an “In Memoriam” header. You should also have a section there for Lungile’s poor daughter.
Moderator’s note: Thank you for your suggestions.
You’re welcome.
Also, just noticed something I missed last time (with so much info, it’s easy to miss a detail! I don’t blame you at all for not 100% updating the page each time).
In Lutsandvo’s section: “Luti enjoys wrestling with Ingadze and looks for opportunities to interact with Macembe and Emanti when they stray far enough away from their dominant mothers.” should be rephrased now. Emanti’s not straying away from his dominant mother anymore, he completely lost her.
Meanwhile, about “Umngani can often be seen surrounded by her own three calves as well as having Kami and Emanti in tow,” if Umngani turns out to be Phakamile and Emanti’s foster mother (instead of all the aunties looking after for Phakamile and Emanti almost equally) then that should be added to her profile too.
Nice set of suggestions. In addition to mentioning Khosi’s caps, it would be interesting to note why she has them.
Moderator’s note: You and Mark are keeping me busy.
From all I’ve read in the Ellie blogs I presume Khosi and Mabu had caps put on their tusks due to them being damaged at one time and to prevent further damage/complications causing problems in the future.
Moderator’s note: Elephants both in the wild and in zoos often rub their tusks against hard surfaces, which sometimes damages them. Khosi and Mabu wore down their tusks over time, so earlier this year our veterinary team performed a pulpotomy, which is like a root canal on a tusk, on each and then placed permanent stainless-steel caps on the tusk to prevent further wear.
When will the baby get a name?
Moderator’s note: The baby’s name is Inhlonipho, which can mean respect, honor, reverence, or good manners in SiSwati. It can be pronounced “in low ne po” or “in show nee po.”
Oh wow!! Just read that you all have found a name for the newest calf, and I’m glad that he now has a name he can call his own! Thank you!
He is a little cutie, too! How old is he now? Kind of lost track! Anyway, now we can call him by his own name instead of just Baby. At least we can still recognize him because he is still the smallest calf of the whole bunch for now.
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
Moderator’s note: He was born on September 26, 2011.
Congrats to Baby ellie upon finally getting a name. Inhlonipho, “which can mean respect, honor, reverence, or good manners in SiSwati”. Perhaps now he will receive more respect from family and other herd mates. Rather than suffer the indignity and frustration of often being ignored when freely voicing his opinions.
Ha ha! Ignored! Right! He is a punk! Real good at annoying and climbing all over a preferably recumbent, sunning youngster (maybe brother?), and just wandering over to innocently stand behind his sister when his victim finally reaches capacity and gets up. Not at all shy about getting involved. He is really funny to watch, and seems pretty gutsy! Sister or Mom regularly extricates him from the middle of a situation that is really too active and crowded for his participation. I wonder what has been observed by the keepers that led to his naming. It is fun to watch him develop.
I was thinking similarly. most likely Sundzu would disagree with the baby’s name but previously he was the one who would excitedly climb on you if you were laying down. maybe if your name is who you are, the keepers are hoping Neepo will live up to his name. at less than 4 months old, that fella is full of surprises. the whole herd is amazing.
I love Inhtonipho’s nickname of Nee Po or Po, it suits him well.
I was wondering how tall Musi is now, since he seems to be almost the same height as his mom Dula. His long legs would make one presume he is going to be a very tall elephant when he is fully grown and a great asset to increasing the gene pool with his father being a wild elephant.
Elephant Team responds: He’s as tall as Lungile right now.
At what age do the keepers started training the calves for health procedures: such as opening their mouths to check teeth, raising their feet for inspections and foot care and being able to draw blood from their ears?
Moderator’s note: Your question has been forwarded to our Elepant Team.
“Nee Po” is a cute nickname for a very cute ellie! Love it and him!
I have an age/maturity question. First, I understand that aging a grown wild elephant is tough. With that in mind, the Kruger ellies all have the approximate birth year of 1990, including Ndula. If she gave birth to Musi in 2004, that would make her 14 at the time. The calculation for a gestation period would indicate that she had been impregnated at approximately age 12. Is that physically possible? I thought they reached sexual maturity a few years later than that. So, anyway, my question is that to maintain the high level of educational information being presented, if those calculations don’t match the ellie maturity rate, perhaps Ndula’s birth year should be revised? Or maybe my understanding needs to be updated?
Moderator’s note: Your question has been forwarded to our Elephant Team.
From what I’ve read depending on habitat conditions and elephant population density, a female elephant can become pregnant between the ages of 12-23 but usually at age 11 though it has been documented as early as age 7.
Age of maturity for African elephants is around 13 years, but like most animals that can vary slightly by individuals. Ndlula was one of those early bloomers. Females reach maturity earlier than males.
Ahhh, ‘females earlier than males’… there was my confusion. Thank you.
At the Hannover Zoo in Germany, two Asian elephants gave birth at the age of 7!
was checking to see how the elephants and Neepo are doing on a rainy day. it is nice to see the calves are making the most of the mud, rolling around. seems like Neepo is not fond of rain, trying to make an umbrella of Umngani. but he seemed to roll around a little in the mud as well. he often has some itch to scratch.
thanks for moving Lungile to the smaller enclosure. I was wondering about her walking around in the rain. now she is getting some shelter and nice snacks.
I have noticed that some of the youngsters of both sexes appear to have what look similiar to umbilicus hernias?
Moderator’s note: Your question has been forwarded to our Elephant Team.
We are not seeing any hernias in any of the elephant calves.
perhaps they just have outie belly buttons lol
On a few recent occasions I have noticed that Umngani, Nee Po, and Khosi have been separated in the small rear inner pen area without Ingadze. Can you elaborate further upon this? Also could you help this east coast viewer identify which adult male ellie actually has the smaller tusks and metal cap ? Thank you.
Moderator’s note: The elephants are sometimes separated for training sessions or other needs. Adult male Mabu has a metal cap on one of his tusks; his daughter, Khosi, has a cap on each tusk.
Mabu’s cap is on his left tusk if that helps you too Steve for identifying him from Msholo
Other than the mothers/children, are any of the elephants related? Or were they randomly selected?
Moderator’s note: Your question has been forwarded to our Elephant Team.
The ellies really seem to like those leafy browse branches…. esp a ‘living wood chipper’ such as Umngani ! I imagine it would be a horticulturist’s nightmare if she ever found her way into a SDZ tree farm area.
it seems like recently the food in the main enclosure is getting broken into smaller clumps and spread a little more evenly on the ground. why? is this to encourage the elephants to move more? or to encourage the elephants to walk more evenly on the surface instead of favoring the dirt paths?
Moderator’s note: Your question has been forwarded to our Elephant Team.
We’re not doing anything different or unusual to the food.
OK. thank you for the information.
Would it be possible for some of the pictures in Meet the Elephants to be updated so that they reflect how they look presently.
Moderator’s note: We’ll put it on our “to do” list.
Would it work to just ‘add’ an update pic to the originals? Kind of a ‘then and now’ thing. The existing baby pics are so cute that it would be too bad to lose them.
I noticed today 11:35 pst that the ellies appear to have a different type of food enrichment other than their usual ones.. What were they given?
Moderator’s note: Your question has been forwarded to our Elephant Team.
looking up from paperwork around 8:10 – 8:15 this morning, 2/8/12, I saw the ellies scurrying back and forth in a tizzy, wigged out about something. they’d stop and gather in one spot with Semba and another mom, Ingani, maybe (moving and jerking around to quickly for me to identify her) backing in towards the group – then hurry back the other way and do the same thing and so on. Scurrying, bumbling – oh to have sound with the web cam – looked like trumpeting/rumbling might have been involved! clearly something spooked and/or perturbed them – any idea what it was, or what got them going there? Thanks.
Tina, I saw the same thing you did. They were freaking out. One of them would go to the other end of yard, and then come RUNNING back. Then another would do the same thing. They all had a panic and confused look on their faces. I liked the way they made a protective circle around the little ones. Very alert. It scared me alittle to see them not know where to go or what to do. It was like they were trapped. Maybe they felt a small earthquake or maybe there was a loud sound. The people cleaning the other yard didn’t even seem to notice the elephants freaking out. I’d sure like to know what was up. Thanks.
Elephant Team responds: Mabu was courting Ndlula, and she was playing hard to get. It’s not Valentine’s Day yet, after all! She may be cycling. The other elephants are very involved when Mabu is courting one of the females. It is a very exciting thing to watch.
It’s too bad that Msholo couldn’t have been the one doiing the courting since Mabu’s genes are well represented in the herd. But I suppose the ladies have as much say in who gets to do the courting as the bull.
They want Mabhu to breed at least twice with all the females! If you recall Ndula’s first calf had a wild sire. I’m pretty sure Msholo will become represented in the near future.
Thanks, team. wow, pretty interesting and yes, very exciting – glad I caught a glimpse of it. We noticed last Friday, while we were at the Park to see the ellies, that Mabu was in musk (sp?). But since that friskie Mabu has already represented himself so well – will the keepers place Ndlula with Msholo (sp?) for a few days if they think she may really be cycling? I think they did that with Moya last year sometime when she seemed to be cycling. thanks again.
I was just over on the Reid Park Zoo website, and they are preparing for an elephant move in late March. Any word on who that might be?
in the late afternoon one of the little calves was running down the steep slope to the left of the large pool. but he seemed to trip and take a roll at the bottom. I was wondering if he got hurt but he soon picked himself back up and gathered with the other calves towards the top. I imagined he was trying to convince his friends to try the same thing. sometimes I wonder with elephants’ intelligence if they get enough stimulation but it seems pretty fun that the calves will make up games to entertain themselves.
I think Neepo has figured out how to drink using his trunk. but it seems like he tries to drink everything (?!). I think he is still learning how to spray himself with mud and dust tho. he is kind of getting the hang of the 3-legged stance which like everything else kind of seems advanced for his age.
also I used to think Lungile and Musi were combative but these days I’ve revised that to note that they are good friends. Lungile initiates interaction with Musi a lot of the time and they are generally friendly even tho they do spar too.
I have read that elephants need salt, do the biscuits that they are fed contain salt as well as other minerals?
Our nutritionist responds: The alfalfa-based San Diego Zoo Global Herbivore Supplement has added calcium, phosphorus, sodium chloride, iodine, cobalt, copper, manganese, selenium, zinc, and vitamins.
Usually I watch the ellie cam frequently on a daily basis so it is somewhat difficult to guage baby Po’s physical growth rate. Thankfully he has finally given up his hilarious pre-nursing routine. He now gets down to business immediately and nurses more frequently for longer periods than in the past. Also is he being given any soft foods yet? And what is his current weight (or tonnage).
Thank you.
Elephant Team responds: Inhlonipho’s last weight was about 520 pounds. His primary food source is still milk. However, he does eat some of the adults’ food, including hay, pellet, and beet pulp. Some of the browse is still too hard for him to eat, but he does pick off the leaves and mouth the branches.
I have read that elephants in the wild eat up to 250 lbs. of food per day while the Park’s ellies get about 125 lbs. per day.. What is the reason for the lesser amount, less space in which to exercise it off?
Elephant Team responds: The difference is that in wild habitat, elephants gorge because as the herd migrates it may not have enough food available the next day. In the wild it can be feast or famine.
Happy Birthday Lutsandvo! Wish I could be there to see you turn 2!
thanks Elephant Team for your replies to some of my questions.
A belated Happy Birthday to Luti..
Has it been decided yet which ellies are going to the Reid Park Zoo and when? Will Reid Park have a camera so we can watch our ellies…hope so? A belated Happy Birthday to Luti.
Moderator’s note: Thank you for your birthday wishes for Luti! For the safety of our animals, we do not announce moving dates or other details until they have arrived at their new home.
the big boy Musi broke his tusk just in time for his birthday…how did that happen?
Happy Birthday Musi!
Moderator’s note: I’ll find out. I can’t believe Musi is 8 years old today! What a big boy he’s become.
We don’t know how he did this.
I was just going to ask about Musi’s tusk too. Its almost as though he looks a little sheepish, like he lost a bit of his studliness.
But I’m also noticing that I haven’t seen Mabu or Lungile all week. Coincidence, or have they already moved to Tuscon? Really apprehensive about ‘losing’ any of ‘our’ ellies, so sad. The keepers must be dreading it, and I imagine the adjustments are gonna be especially tough on all the ellies, here and there, for a while. Hope all goes goes smoothly and works out well for all, sooner than later.
I noticed today the large crate has moved from the other yard too. It makes you wonder if it’s been used or just moved to get whoever is leaving used to entering and exiting it
I also didn’t get to see Lungile much this week. she is one of my favorites. and I also feel although wondering if Mabu was getting too frisky or whatnot, that the thought of separating any of the elephant herd (family) does seem quite sad.
I didn’t know about Musi’s tusk but had a difficult time finding him recently so maybe that is why. I think Musi always looks a little sheepish, well, maybe just a little awkward in an adolescent sort of way. but still very cute.
Mabu and Lungile are settling in at the Reid Park Zoo in Tucson, Arizona. The two African elephants arrived on February 24 and will be available for limited guest viewing at the Reid Park Zoo on Monday, February 27.
Will there be others joining them in the future as the small crate is still in the other yard or will it not be needed and removed?
Must be something going on, the ele’s are being watched all day long. Hmm.
The person watching them had some type of listening device/recorder with earphones and microphone. Thanks to the cam operator’s for the closeups. Perhaps gathering the sounds of the ellies, those we can hear and the ones we can’t?
So unfortunate that poor Musi broke a tusk.
In such cases is ‘dental’ work performed to remove any sharp edges and/or will he be fitted with a tusk cap ? Thank you.
Moderator’s note: Your question has been forwarded to our Elephant Team.
We are looking at it and will determine if a dental procedure is necessary.
Still really interested in what the gal with the headphones and black ‘box’ on a shoulder strap was doing/studying last week, watching the ellies for quite a while. thanks.
Also, guess we won’t know till after the fact which ellie threesome is following Mabu and Lungile to Tuscon, nor when? kinda silly, but want to give them all a big goodbye hug.
Moderator’s note: Our researchers often record calls made by elephant cows during interactions with calves, building a repertoire of sounds to ascertain the role of vocalizations in social situations.
Do the adults use sounds that humans can’t hear with the calves too or is that just for the adults calling to other adults that are a long distance away as they do in the wild?
I am very sad that they were sent away. Mabu has always been my favorite. I hope he adjusts well and is treated well. I hope the AZ climate is not too harsh. What a huge loss to us.
From the video that Reid Park Zoo has posted regarding the ellies coming from San Diego, it was said that 2 adult females including offspring and a male were to be exchanged for the 2 elephants they have there. Seeing as Mabu and Lungile are there now, makes you wonder who else if any of the mothers and calves will be next to go.
Also saw photos of Reid Park Zoo’s elephant exhibit and it looks great with a deep pool for swimming as well as a wading pool. My only concern was with the summer temperatures so high there, I didn’t see any shade provided other than the buildings.
San Diego Zoo Global responds: Shade structures are part of the barn and are at the long end of the habitat at the Reid Park Zoo.
Does Msholo play with the calves? Since Mabu is now gone, will the calves play with Msholo?
I will miss Mabu and I’m sure that he will miss his ladies and kids. But he is well represented so it makes sense that they moved him and are keeping Msholo. Hopefully he will sire some calves now that he has no competition.
I hope Umngani and her brood aren’t leaving. I enjoy them and little Nee Po is my fave.
It’s sad to see Mabu and Lungile leave. However thy have a wonderful new area to relax in. As for weather, the African elephants should have no problems. Africa is, after all, pretty hot and dry.
I am excited to see the two elderly elephants arrive from Reid Park Zoo. There was quite a brouhaha about them being shifted to San Diego. They will be meeting up with San Diego’s own little odd African/Asian combo. How exciting will that be!
Connie and Shaba arrive at Zoo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vG8jdbo5-Cg
Msholo never sired any calves in Florida. I was wondering if he has had an fertility testing?
Just wondering which female is taking care of Moya’s calfs now that Lungile is gone. I know Kami is mostly with Umngani and her family but Emanti seems to be on the outside. He spent an awful lot of time with Lungile. Does the fact that there is no mother play into future behavior issues? It seems sometime they both are pushed around.
Noticed thh ellies really enjoyed gnawing on what appeared to be a real wood log today. Apparently they were eating the inner decayed wood core and outer bark. Quite a display of strength by Musi too as he flipped the log around like a huge toothpick.
Are most of the other log features real wood, or are they made of some type of sculpted material ? Thank you.