Kami, left, and Emanti
It has been seven months since elephant siblings Kami and Emanti lost their mother, Umoya (see post Loss to Elephant Family) Yet today, both seem to be thriving and growing at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Emanti turned 2 last month (can you believe it?!) and weighs 1,408 pounds (640 kilograms). Big sister Kami will be 5 in September; she weighs 2,666 pounds (1,212 kilograms). Thanks to Elephant Keeper Karissa Reinbold and Animal Care Manager Curtis Lehman, I am pleased to offer an update on these precocious pachyderms.
Although Kami and Emanti get along well together, Kami’s BFF is Khosi. The two females are just a year apart in age and spend most of their time together. Occasionally they get into tiffs, but what adolescent girlfriends don’t? Because Khosi helps her mother, Umngani, care for her two younger siblings, Ingadze and Neepo, Kami is right there to help her. This probably explains why Umngani is so tolerant of Kami’s presence: she’s getting extra baby-sitting service!
Emanti has become socially smart, knowing which elephants he can pal around with and which ones to leave alone. He chooses whom he hangs out with and not so much the other way around. Life as an orphan, especially a young male, probably would have a quick ending in the wild without a mother to protect him. Therefore, his keepers have to be his ultimate protectors. But they are very happy that Swazi seems to tolerate him, Macembe (Mac), who is just one month older, likes to play with him, Msholo is cool with him, and he still has a big sister to bond with. Emanti does play with the baby of the herd, Neepo, as well, and is always gentle with the little guy.
Like his mother, Emanti has always had an independent streak; he likes the food pellets the herd is fed so much that he’ll forgo all the other food items just to search for any dropped pellet! This is why he’s not with the others as much and also why he seems to refuse to head out into the yard after a training session, even when he gets first crack at the goodies.
Keepers are aware that Emanti—and even Kami—might need extra attention now and then, and they are more than willing to provide it! Sometimes they place enrichment toys in the upper yard for just the siblings to play with, and last month the duo got to enjoy Emanti’s special birthday ice cakes without them having to share with the others. Keepers also include extra training sessions for the pair, which they both seem to look forward to. Because of these additional “classes,” Emanti has now caught up to Ingadze in elephant “school.” His most recent “subjects” completed: trunk washing (saline solution is squirted into the elephant’s trunk, the trunk is raised and then lowered, the saline pours back into a receptacle, and the sample is sent to a lab for analysis), turning around, and presenting a front foot when asked. Emanti is currently learning how present his ear for a blood draw and to retrieve objects.
From what I gathered, keepers are extremely proud of his progress. Perhaps we’ll nickname him Keepers’ Boy!
Debbie Andreen is an associate editor for San Diego Zoo Global. Read her previous post, Park Elephant Calves Update.
Thank you for your wonderful update. It is good to know that the keepers and trainers give Emanti and Kami extra attention. Hopefully Emanti will be able to continue to hang out with Swazi and family once she gives birth, and perhaps the companionship with Mac will become even stronger. I wonder if Kami will want to babysit Swazi’s calf once it is born or if she will continue to be with Khosi and Neepo. And now we know why Emanti chooses to be on his own, food pellets! What a cutey!
Thanks Debbie for posting the update. It’s good to hear (even though there was no doubt) that extra care is given to the orphans and they are doing well.
It’s good to hear that the two are doing well! I was wondering how they were doing with the other members of the herd. Thanks for the update and a job well done! Is there currently any females that are expecting a baby?
Debbie responds: Swazi is due late July/early August
Wow! This is certainly a surprise for me! I had predicted Ndlula could have a baby before the end of this year, but I never even suspected that Swazi was expecting! Ndlula’s baby (Lutsundvor) was born 2-14-2010 (Valentine’s Day), Swazi’s (Macambe) was born 4-12-2010 (a whopper at 268 pounds, largest ever at the Park) and Emanti was born 5-12-2010. Have you notified Mabu, in Arizona, that he is going to be a Daddy, again?
Even though I had said Ndlula could have a baby before the end of the year, which this expected birth of Swazi proves, I guess I’ll just have to sit back and wait to see what the future brings.
Thanks for the good news and thanks to all the hard working crew and staff that keep watch over this herd and a special thanks to you, Debbie, for this new blog.
Debbie responds: You’re very welcome, Don! I hope to write updates on the others, too, as time allows.
Is Dula pregnant too? She sure looks like it.
Don, do you still work the camera in the mornings?
Debbie thank you so much for the update. Everyone should know you folks take the ultimate care of “our” ellies. Emanti is made of big, strong, and super sweet genes and will be just fine. He learned manners very young. His big sis will be there for him too.
Debbie: As an avid watcher of the elephant cam, I appreciate your report so much. It is really encouraging to hear that Kami and Emanti are doing so well. It is fun to watch Kami with Khosi interact as such close buddies and to see how Kami likes to help with the babysitting — so sweet! And little Emanti — he does seem an independent youngster, and how great that the keepers provide the extra attention he needs. Kudos to the whole staff for keeping on top of things and providing what is needed for these precious elephants. Can’t wait to see the new baby in July/August — sigh… they are just the cutest things! Gotta love ‘em!
Debbie responds: I’m so glad you found the update helpful, Deborah! It’s amazing to me how the keepers know each elephant so well. Their love for them really comes through!
Thanks for the updates on the 4 ellies. More fun times with Swazi’s new baby coming soon. I was just checking the cam at 10:30 eastern time and saw 3 ducks, 2 blackbirds and a rabbitt but no ellies. Too cute.
Debbie responds: You are welcome, Mary! Perhaps we should change the name to Critter Cam?
Congrats on the Swazi pregnancy, although this may be unknown… is the father Msholo or Mabu ?
Debbie responds: Mabu is the father.
thanks for the update. it’s interesting to hear about the personal preferences of the elephants, like Emanti’s pellets. it is good to know that the elephants are well and developing in healthy ways.
it’s a treat to read about the elephants.
Debbie responds: It is fun to learn about each one’s unique personality, isn’t it? They are such amazing creatures.
Thank you for the update and for taking extra special care of these two as they learn to navigate life in the herd without their mother. Still can’t believe she’s gone.
Debbie responds: You are welcome, kathy. It was heartening to hear how well the kids are doing!
Thanks for the update Debbie. Wonderful to hear that the 2 little orphans are growing up just fine. I will finally get to see them in person on October 4th as that is when my tour arrives at the Park. Maybe the keepers can teach them to smile for my camera.
Debbie responds: You’re very welcome, Erin. The elephants are sure to bring a smile to you! We look forward to your visit.
Debbie, thank you so much for your wonderful and very informative update about Kami and Emanti and their interactions with the others. Of course there never was/is any doubt as to the excellent care that they receive from their loving keepers. Also a wonderful surprise to read your comment reply about the time frame for Swazi’s upcoming due date. I am sure that things are going to get even much more ‘interesting’ after the new calf arrives.
Debbie responds: It’s always fun when a baby elephant arrives. I’m glad to read that you enjoyed the update.
Thank you Debbie for the update, It’s great to hear that Emanti and Kami are doing well and thriving. I’m looking forward to Swazi’s new calf and hoping it’s a girl.
Debbie responds: You’re welcome, Donna. Start thinking pink
This update was a joy to read, Debbie. We always wonder how the herd is reacting to changes. Moya passed away; Mabu & Lungile, and Litsemba and boys moved to AZ. We always hear about how elephants are such a caring group; it’s good to know that they are taking Kami and Emanti in.
Yes, please, in your SPARE time let us know more about the ellies!!
Has Msholo mated with any of the females that are currently at the park?
Debbie, the update on Kami & Emanti is so very appreciated! Thank you!!! We always see the keepers giving extra attention to Kami and Emanti and it makes us feel very comforted to know that they’re feeling special and loved.
My family and I have fallen in love with ALL your ellies and we watch everyday from your sun up to sun down. Not a day goes by where we don’t find ourselves laughing at some adorable antic they do (especially, naughty and curious lil’ Neepo!). And we’ve been enjoying them even more with all the pool parties!
Keep up the wonderful work and thank you for allowing all of us to enjoy your ellies through the webcam!
Thank you for the update. I’m glad to hear they’re adjusting well. I didn’t know Swazi was pregnant, that’s wonderful. Hopefully she’ll have an uneventful pregnancy.
Thanks, Debbie. I haven’t been able to locate blog updates in quite a while so it was a treat to read your report. Wonderful news all around!
Watching the cam tonight, Moose seems to be more interested in the opposites. Not only is he messing with Khosi and Kami, he started in on Umngani. All the calfs put themselves between him and Umngani. Just wondering if it is okay for him to be left with females since you seperate Msholo from the hurd every night? What is the reason for Msholo to be away at night? Thank you.
I agree with Michelle”s post above, I’d like to know more about Moose’s situation. Many web viewers have posted about Moose bothering the young female calves. Isn’t there a concern about his behavior? And couldn’t it cause problems with Msholo?
Moderator’s note: Your question has been forwarded to the Elephant Team.
It would seem Musi is starting puberty behaviour a bit early from what I’ve read on male african elephants. I wondered what the Park’s plan is for him since in the wild he would go off and join other males his age till he reached maturity. He is a valuable gene pool with having a wild elephant as his father so I expect he would be welcomed for increasing the diversity in any herd even the Park’s own.
Since I posted in June there have been more more web observations of Moose’s sexual aggression and no answers from the elephant team. I’m not the only one asking these questions. Can we please get some aswers or a blog
Elephant Team responds: Vus’musi is displaying typical young male behavior. We are keeping a close eye on him and his interactions with the young females. Females in the wild have given birth as young as 8 years old, so we are starting to collect urine samples from the girls to find out when they may start cycling.
Thank you for answering. How does this effect Msholo? If another bull is mating with the herd won’t this cause problems ?
Moderator’s note: Males don’t normally become sexually mature until 14 or 15 years old.
I know Moose isn’t considered ” sexually mature” but he has been seen on the webcam being sexually aggressive with the females. If it wasn’t a concern for the keepers the young females wouldn’t be having urine collected to check hormones. I would just like to know if this behavior Moose is displaying will effect Msholo sexually or behavior wise.
I didn’t know about Swazi! Our next visit will be late July! Maybe we’ll be lucky! Thanks so much for the update on Emanti and Kami. It’s so great to hear how well they are doing, and the extra love and attention they are getting. You all do such a wonderful job!
Was at the park last Friday and was lucky enough to see pool sessions, one
with Umgani, her children and her adopted kids, Wonderful!!
Debbie responds: What fun to watch, George!
Thank you Debbie for the update on the precious siblings. Little Emanti always looked so lonely so it makes me happy to know that he is doing good. I’m looking forward to the new baby this summer. I agree with another poster who said Dula looks pregnant. I thought she was as well (any maybe will be for all we know). I’m hoping to finally get to the park next summer to see all the wonderful animals, especially the ellies.
Thanks to Curtis and all the keepers for the amazing work you do!
Is this Emanti?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/66621703@N08/7496556714/in/photostream
Moderator’s note: Elephant Cam viewers, who do YOU think this is? Answer will be posted in a few days.
Looks too heavy for Emanti. I cannot see those tiny tusks, so my guess is Mac.
Actually, without another there for size reference, I don’t know. Could be Emanti, Mac, or Neepo. I don’t see tusks. Is it a current photo? Such a great close up!
Pat, I took the screen cap July 3rd. The cam was zoomed in on the ellie. I have a hard time telling the 2010 calves apart when they aren’t with their moms.
Since Emanti is the smallest of the ‘boys’ by ~300#, and a real close inspection shows a tiny tusk, I think it is Emanti. He also still has that real young head shape.
I also have great difficulty in identifying specific male ellie calves. Especially in cam capture closeups with no other size reference. At first I thought the ellie pictured had something in his mouth, rather than sporting a small tusk. Okay… I will vote him as being Emanti too.
I think you are both correct that it is Emanti. There was a great close up of him in the last 1/2 hour. I love his wrinkles from the tip of his trunk to the top of his cute head! He is so playful looking lately. He swings his trunk as though he has found something fun to investigate and runs along. At the end of May, he was so quiet and alone, and now that has all changed. Thank you trainers for helping through all the rough spots. He is a joy!
Now we wait for our esteemed moderator to tell us if we are correct.
I just took another screen cap. This I believe is Musi, only because I’m pretty sure that I recall someone saying that he had a broken tusk. Am I correct?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/greeneyes73/7511255194/in/photostream
Miss Dula (at least I’m pretty sure!)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/greeneyes73/7511353668/in/photostream
http://www.flickr.com/photos/greeneyes73/7511353742/in/photostream/
That is Moose for sure
Defintely Musi his broken tusk gives him away lol
Second link is Dula though
The Elephant Team has identified the little cutie in the photo Maria (Montreal) posted. It is Emanti.
It’s nice to hear that these 2 seem to be doing really well. You always worry when an animal loses its parent how they will handle the situation. Prayers for these 2 youngsters. Thanks for the update.
I am going to guess the picture is of Sundzu. I think it is because of the smile on his face. As for guessing photos when you click on the elephant blog, there is a photo of a young elephant. Who is the poster elephant on the blog site?
Sundzu is no longer in SD. He’s in AZ. The cap was taken from the SDSP cam.
The Elephant Team says the “poster” elephant for our Elephant Blog category is a young Ndululamitsi.
I S THAT LITTLE NEEPO? DEBBIE, THANKS FOR UDATES ON SIBLINGS AND FINDING OUT SWAZI IS PREGNANT TOO.
The picture is a snap from the webcam. Then I revise my guess and say it is Emanti. After all this is the Emanti and Kami blog.
Just a quick question. I noticed that Msholo is now just over 10000 pounds. The last time I saw his weight he was 8500 pounds. Just curious to know if Msholo at over 10000 is still quiet on his feet? Msholo may be the Fred Astaire of elephants but I am going to guess you can hear him coming now.
It was so nice seeing Momma U and all the kids playing in the pool. Swazi let her cool side take over and joined the bunch without running everyone away. Can’t wait for little one to come and join the family. Little girl please!
Which of the four young males has the longest tusks? Is it Ingadze?
looked like Khosi was having a great time creating a water spray (back near the pens of the main area) this afternoon. she was making quite a fountain. I couldn’t tell if it was shooting to her trunk or if she could catch the water directly in the mouth. it’s impressive that they can make up games/toys to amuse themselves.
That looked like a bunch of fun!
I need some help with elephant identification. Which young male from 2010 has the longest tusks at this time? Help me with Dula and Swazi. I think Dula’s right tusk points more downward and Swazi has both tusksointing more forward? Is this right? Lately, they both look round and I want to be sure which is pregnant while watching. Thanks all!
Moderator’s note: Your question has been forwarded to our Elephant Team.
Pat
I can’t help you with identifying the youngsters I’m still working on that one too when they aren’t with their moms. But as to Swazi and Dula identifying, Swazi has both tusks (and her tail is long but looks split in the center). Dula has really only one tusk visible usually on the left side and her right one appears to be straight but starting to curve under her trunk again. (also her tail arcs like a set of horns would only upside down and is split in the center)
Hope that helps you some.
Thanks Donna! This all tells me that I do have Swazi and Dula correct, which I thought. Now, those challenging little boys…..
Took a few captures tonight:
Kami and Emanti (correct me if I’m wrong)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/greeneyes73/7553266770/sizes/l/in/photostream/
Neepo playing with Emanti?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/greeneyes73/7553277080/sizes/l/in/photostream/
Neepo is king!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/greeneyes73/7553282322/sizes/l/in/photostream/
I recognize Neepo and I’m guessing the other 3 he’s playing with are Emanti, Luti and Mac, but maybe Gadze is there…
http://www.flickr.com/photos/greeneyes73/7553286854/sizes/l/in/photostream/
Maria, we have had very hot weather here and this morning woke up to rain and clouds. It was so much fun watching all the young elephants be so full of themselves this morning! What a riot they are! : ). I am not sure that is Emanti playing with Neepo in that the tusks may be too long, although with the position of his head and trunk, maybe his tusks are more exposed than normal. I wish they had a way to microchip the elephants and have the names of those on screen automatically caption. That would be very cool if it can be done.
Moderator’s note: Or perhaps they could wear nametags? That would help me
I will not attempt to ID NeePo’s lastest ‘victim’. But love the idea to use microchips to identify the Ellies with name captions on cam. Although even if technologically feasible, it could often get confusing when many ellies were in close proximity or rolling around in a writhing mass in the pool. So maybe just use different colored bows tied onto their tails.
Cute idea Steve but I doubt the bows would last long lol Maybe ankle bracelets of different colors or collars lol
I had to laugh when I read this because for some time I’ve been trying to think how the ellies could be marked so we could ID them. Maybe stencil them along the side with their names (maybe that’s a bit over the top). Or paint their toes different colors and give us a color code. Of course, some of them are obvious — Gani, Swazi, Musi, Khosi, and Misholo are all easily recognizable. But those little boys are quite the puzzle for most of us ellie cam enthusiasts…
LOL!
I like the stencil idea, and numbers could be used for ID. They wouldn’t have to be real big. I remember that Mabu had a mark up high just in front of his left hip for a while, and it made for easy quick confirmation. I don’t have a suggestion for the marking substance, but laundry marker might not last very long! 1, 2, and 3 would be for the adult females (#1 goes to Swazi) then the offspring could be 1a, (1b), 2a, 2b, 2c, etc. Kami and Emanti could be just a and b or 4a and 4b, acknowledging Imoya. Then there would be a key on the signs for the public and a key available to the cam watchers. I like the microchip idea too, but activation on demand from home cursors with very long handles, otherwise the constant ‘bubble’ id could make pond gatherings even more confusing than they are now! Heh, heh.
Moderator: I like the idea of name tags. Hmmmm… I wonder how that could be achieved…
If YOU don’t recognize them, then the rest of us have no chance I fear. I guess I’m glad to know you have the same issue — now we ellie cam fan can’t feel quite so pitiful. 
Moderator’s note: Glad to help!
How does Swazi get along with the elephant keepers?
Moderator’s note: I’ve not heard any disparaging words from them
Good morning Ellie fans,
I normally do not write in … but after reading some of your ideas for identification … how about colored ear rings… located at the top of the ear. Very visible and fasionable … LOL
Thank you for all your great work SP Team …. you give us all hope for their future.
I have checked the Reid Park on several occasions .. looks like the crew is working out well there.
Have a great day.
Debbie responds: I’m enjoying all of these suggestions for figuring out “who’s who”!
Those better be clip-on earrings instead of pierced ones!
Today at the inner enclosure I saw what apparently was a rear foot exam of Msholo rather than just a training session. Interesting that for the most part, the 3 adult females did not intrude upon the proceedings. But that did not deter little rebel NeePo who remained right at the fence underfoot.
Also are those groups of people I have seen in the innner enclosure, a part of the ‘Insider’s Tours” ?
Moderator’s note: Yes, it was probably one of our Behind-the-Scenes Safaris, which really get you up close to some amazing critters!
That’s a tour I’d want to take! I’m really hoping to get to the park next year!
Apart from Swazi, are there any other pregnancies in the works ? I know it may be to early to know, and that you guys have to keep confidential on these things until pretty far in, but are there anymore that we could expect in the next year or so ? Also, has Msholo been mating with the girls ?
The Elephant Team replies: There are no confirmed pregnancies according to our elephant hormone data studies. Although we observed some breeding behavior between Msholo and Umgani in early July, we’re not sure of what the results of that may be, and haven’t seen any other mating.
I was watching last night and Moose was mounting one of the little girls. It started a mess with momma “U” and she charged him for messing around and not leaving her alone. Is he old enough to breed and are the girls old enough to conceive? He has also been trying to get momma “U”. Can this cause any problems with the hurd? Thanks in advance.
Moderator’s note: Your question has been forwarded to the Elephant Team.
In recent weeks I have noticed an increase in the frequency (and persistence) of Musi’s attempts to get ‘chummy’ especially with Umngani, but also with Khosi and Kami. I am not sure if these incidents took place during Msholo’s absence for the most part? Would it be normal for a herd bull if present, to tolerate such behavior toward his females by an adolescent male? Or else might the response become more aggressive if an act of actual mating were to occur ?
Reading all the suggestions about how to help identify some of the young elephants. Maybe they can all wear different coloured booties.
Reid Park Zoo posted a pic titled “mother and son” on their facebook page… it must be Samba and Sundzu.
Last week I believe it was Luti over at elephant school. It was fun to watch him do all the tasks asked of him. There was one I was stumped to figure out. The trainer pulled his arms close to his side and jumped. Luti then did an elephant half jump by lifting up his front legs. Is that training exercise used to gauge strength?
The Elephant Team replies: Luty has a “rear -up” behavior that he started on his own and we then “captured” the behavior by reinforcing it. We then moved it onto a signal and what you saw must be the new signal. It’s just a real cute behavior that we liked so we wanted him to always have it in his repertoire of behaviors.
When will the baby watch start with Swazi as I see the canopy is set up near the smaller enclosure in the one yard?
How are the ellies getting along at Reid Park Zoo – especially Lungile? If I’m remembering correctly, Lungile was the lowest ranked among the adults at San Diego. Does she have a higher rank at Reid Park, or do the ranks stay the same no matter what. Does she have a better chance of having calves at Reid Park? Thank you for all of the great blogs.
Moderator’s note: The elephant herd is doing well in Tuscon. Lungile is still lower ranked.
Sitting here this morning being able to see all the kids in the pool and then in the mud has been great. The best thing is all of this was done with Swazi right in the middle of it. She sure has settled down with the kids. I have seen this on several occasions. Khosi has been right with her too. Do you think this will change when the new calf is born? Sure will be a shame to see them all being swung at and chased after such a nice pause in her personality. Another THANK YOU for the live cam!
Is there a reason why Umngani and clan are being segregated from the rest of the group?
In viewing the elephant yard this morning between 10:45-11:15, it seemed that the elephants were agitated about something…all of them gathered around the baby, then they were going back and forth in the yard collectively – they did this a couple of times and then Swazi was down on her knees a couple of times. Their ears were flapping (more than just from the heat?) and tails were up, Swazi seemed to be “facing off” with one of the other elephants and all of the other elephants were standing back – as if to watch what was going to happen next! What was going on???
Elephant Team responds: Not to worry, it was just a little hanky panky going on. Msholo and Ndlula were breeding.