The Safari Park’s African elephant herd continues to thrive, and we are all eagerly awaiting the arrival of Swazi’s second calf, which is due late July or early August. Look for physical changes in our matriarch as she prepares to welcome her baby. Will son Macembe (Mac) be a good big brother? Time will tell, of course, but so far Mac is one super cool, laid-back kid. Like his mom, Mac has long legs and is a quick-learning and confident two year old.
You’d think that Umngani, mother of three, would have her trunk full taking care of her brood. Yet she has been spending her time lately enticing Msholo, our lone bull, to come hither! He, of course, is happy to play along, and there may be breeding between the two soon. Luckily for Umngani and her raging hormones, daughter Khosi, who is almost six years old, is more than willing to babysit younger brothers Ingadze and Neepo, freeing her mom to flirt with the handsome Msholo. Ingadze is now three years old and has been the kindest big brother to little brother Inhlonipho. Keepers describe Neepo as a wild, high-energy boy who will have his first birthday in September. Neepo loves to sound his little trumpet and chase the keepers along the exhibit’s fenceline. He has recently taken up a new talent: hopping!
Msholo has integrated very well with the herd. He is gentle with the little ones and attentive to the ladies. Even Ndula will occasionally interact with him, and she never interacted with Mabu (except during estrus and would then make him work!) Perhaps it’s because her oldest son, Vus’musi, has become best buddies with Msholo. The two play wrestle often, especially in the pool. Although he is much larger than Musi, now 8 years old, Msholo gets on the younger elephant’s level to help make the wrestling matches more even. What a guy! Ndula’s other son, Luti, is 2½ years old and has replaced his big brother as a momma’s boy. Keepers say Luti is shy and cautious about learning new things, although when he gets real excited, he hops on his rear legs, too!
Debbie Andreen is an associate editor for San Diego Zoo Global. Read her previous post, Elephants Emanti and Kami.
Great to hear everybody’s seems to be getting along. Has the night watch started yet?
Thanks so much for the update. I love watching these ellies! Luti was cracking me up yesterday morning playing with a bowl. He reminded me of a silly dog doing tricks with his dish. I can’t believe he is so shy. Can’t wait for the baby elle. It is always exciting seeing the babies grow. Po has outdone all the little guys in the past. He is one crazy little guy getting into all kinds of mischievous doings.
Very nice update. The antics of the gang are quite entertaining, and it is fun to watch the interaction with each other as well as the routine and extra fun stuff with the trainers. In general it’s a good thing that both Khosi and Kami are assigned to monitor Neepo since he is so busy.
What kind of behavior changes would we be likely to see from Swazi? And does there seem to be a popular time of day for a new arrival?
Most elephants are born at night or early morning 12-6AM
Visited the Park today and got some nice closeups of Dula (Ndlula’s) tusks. Had not realized how much they have grown since the last time I came. They appear to be growing in the way they were originally. Checked Khosi’s tusks and see they have been growing with almost as much new tusk as the original repair that had to be made because she was wearing them off rubbing them on everything she could get her tusks on.
Thanks for the new writeup. My wife saw the new blog before we came to the Park so she knew that the birth was imminent ( it is already late July). Thanks for the update and thanks to all those keepers that do such a great job keeping things bright and shiny for all the visitors, both in person and on the webcam.
Saw Curtis Lehman the keeper that went to Arizona with the ellies transferred there.
Given how some of the elephants give birth before their birth watches start, I predict that Swazi will give birth *any day or night now* (like at http://blogs.sandiegozoo.org/2010/12/29/elephant-encounters-of-the-cute-kind/ January 7, 2011 at 4:29 PM)
You might want to add night vision to the cameras and record the video, so that if she does give birth at night before the birth watch you can see if and how she induces her own labor.
“Msholo has integrated very well with the herd. He is gentle with the little ones and attentive to the ladies. Even Ndula will occasionally interact with him, and she never interacted with Mabu (except during estrus and would then make him work!) Perhaps it’s because her oldest son, Vus’musi, has become best buddies with Msholo. The two play wrestle often, especially in the pool. Although he is much larger than Musi, now 8 years old, Msholo gets on the younger elephant’s level to help make the wrestling matches more even. What a guy!”
That is excellent
Thank you Debbie for the update. Yes, Msholo is indeed a gentle giant. Most fortunate for Umngani to have a great daughter such as Khosi to care for her bros. And the wild antics of devilish NeePo are hilarious, despite his frequent disregard for ellie behavior protocol… just Po being Po…. gotta love him.
Great update Debbie! I’ve been watching the ellies playing in the pool with the tire, seems they could use a few more to share among them lol
thanks for the fun update. it’s great to hear how the elephants are developing. I did not know Luti was shy either. he has been eating well it seems. I read that his weight is greater than Ingadze’s now. I can imagine when Neepo grows up to be an adult bull, he will be quite a dominant one.
16 pounds difference in weight on the day they were weighed is insignificant. Elephants gain an average of 45 to 50 pounds a month. Trying to put it delicately, one poop could probably account for the difference.
LOVE NEEPO!
Who is the 3rd calf in the picture? I recognize Umngani, NeePo and I assume one is Gadze. Is the other one Emanti or Kami? It’s not Khosi – unless she had her tusk protectors removed?
Anxious for the birth of baby Swazi.
I just saw Swazi and Mac getting some treats at the fence at the end of the large yard. After that they went to the corner and went into a place where there seem to be a lot of gates that move. Is that the barn area?
Erin.. that is the smaller yard that has gates to divide it and the barn is to the far right of it pass the other areas of entrance and where the keepers come out of when cleaning the large yard
That has been called “the bull yard” from way back when there were three elderly females and one bull who never seemed to be let out into the main yard – at least when the females were out.
Help ! Please tell me that it is not just due to my wild imagination…..but today it appears that the ellie cam on several different pc monitors shows a significant increase in resolution of pic detail ? Especially evident in closeups of ellies in the west yard. Thank you.
Just out of curiosity how tall are the adult elephants?
Moderator’s note: Your question has been sent to the Elephant Team.
Realizing that most elephant births occur when it is dark, what will happen in the event of labor and/or birth occurring during light? Will the cam zoom in so we can watch, or does the elephant team prefer that this not be a public viewing event?
All will depend on the circumstances and location of the birth.
Now that SDZ has its long-awaited sixth panda cub, we can now focus on Safari Park’s new addition to the ellie herd.
These elephants are so much fun to watch. Saw a great wrestling match with Msholo and Musi in the water one day. I saw what looked like several of the herd in the small pool early one morning. I’ve seen Neepo climbing all over other calves and am amazed at how well the others tolerate him since he looks like he can be a little pest! (an adorable one, however — what a cutie!!!) 
So, just can’t wait to see the latest little one coming very soon… sigh…
How long is a typical labor for an African elephant?
Moderator’s note: Like humans, it varies
Who is the ele who has a very short left tusk and long right tusk?
Elephant Team responds: Vus’musi.
Hey guys, I have been visiting the Reid Park Zoo facebook page to keep up with our ellies now residing there. The zoo has posted some really cute pics of Punga attacking a blue elephant pinata almost as big as he is. Punga looks wonderful so go the their facebook page and see
thanks for the heads up. very cute pix. the kids also created a great pinata. Punga looks like a big boy with his tusks growing in.
Do the ele’s ever get to walk on grass?
Moderator’s note: No, grass would not last long in their yards!
Their yards used to have more grassy like areas but with the paths they wear from walking around the yards it disappears fast. Not to mention early in the mornings you can some times catch them eating what there is of it while waiting for their breakfast.
Earlier today I saw Umngani, Indgaze and baby Neepo at elephant school. Umngani was lifting her truck up high. Indgazi looked like he was getting a manicure, and it looked like the trainers were using a target pole with baby Neepo.
What would be the the things little Neepo would be learning at his age?
I also saw this training session. I would think it begins with simple basics such as first getting NeePo to maintain some level of interaction with the keeper. Apparently he quickly learned that is a great way to get his treats.
Any pregnancy update observations from those who are close by? What physical changes are we looking for? Is the baby carried up high?
We look for things including dilation, mammary gland secretions, and a mucous plug. We correlate this visual information with the hormonal data that we are getting through urine assays.
Just before the cam was dropped off for the ‘night view’ tonight, 8/1, the operator panned around showing that Swazi and Macembe are in the upper pen/yard for the night.
1. Has Swazi’s progesterone level dropped? and 2. Has ‘baby watch’ officially begun with keepers rotating thru the night? 3. And if so, is this the first night?
Maybe it’ll be a full moon babe.
Good luck & Good health Swazi, new baby (girl, girl, girl, girl), and everyone.
Swazi’s progesterone level has not dropped. We are still monitoring. We are beginning the baby watch, and all of the people who will do the watch are now trained and have their schedules.
Miss our cam operator this morning! Cam operator, you are so very appreciated!!!
: ). By the way, is the cam operated at the park or through remote from elsewhere?
Moderator’s note: Our Cam operators are volunteers manning them remotely.
Well, they are perfectly awesome!!!
I see that most of the descriptions on the ellies have been updated, though Ingazde’s still needs some tweeking seeing as he no longer has Punga to play with.
How does one become a volunteer cam operator?
Moderator’s note: Thank you for the reminder to update Ingadze’s profile, Donna. If you are interested in being a cam volunteer, you can apply using our online volunteer form or you can call our central volunteer office at 619-231-1515, extension 4030.
Thanks for the information on volunteering.
I noticed today while watching the cam that Swazi has taken up Moya’s habit of swaying while waiting in anticipatiion of accessing the yard that’s just been stocked with food. Moya was the only elephant I ever saw do it till Swazi started it. She also seems more tolerant of all the youngsters near her except Musi who she tends to warn to keep his distance. Especially if he’s bothering Kami or Khosi, perhaps her impending delivery of the new calf has accelerated her maternal instincts more and/or the sense of being the matriarch of the herd?
Donna, I noticed this morning that Khosi was standing behind Swazi and just watching her, and then three of the little boys momentarily stopped and did the same before continuing their boyish play. At that point, Khosi walked over next to Swazi. I was wondering if Khosi senses something and wants to be there when the new baby arrives. She looked quite comfortable and willing to be with Swazi, while Umgani looked on with interest.
I too had seen the ‘close encounter’ today by Khosi toward Swazi. Also I have observed other such instances in the past couple of weeks where Khosi appears to be less and less intimated by Swazi. At times she would simply just slowly circle around ignoring Swazi’s attempts to chase her off. Also is interesting that this recent behavior by Khosi seems similar to Kami who had gradually wheedled herself into being generally more accepted by Umngani as another doting babystitter for NeePo.
Is Khosi studying Swazi to learn how to be a matriarch?
Cute ! Although I wouldn’t just dismiss outright any matriarchal aspirations by Khosi. But she would need to get in line behind Umngani. As they say… ‘like mother… like daughter’…
Good point, Steve! I was thinking more of how Khosi’s getting in line ahead of Phakamile for matriarch of their generation in the herd.
I just noticed that Mac’s bio needs to be tweeked as well, Since his dad and aunt Lungile are no longer at the park.
I wonder how he will react to a new brother or sister and not being able to nurse anymore.. guess we’ll find out soon enough
Moderator’s note: Thanks, Donna. It will be corrected on Monday.
For a few minutes, just before 7 this morning, Khosi, Kami, Mac, and another little guy were gathered very closely with Swazi, all around in front of her and to her sides. It was very quiet looking as Swazi stood totally still. As they slowly walked on forward, she waited a moment, and then joined them. Interesting how Umgani is once again standing no far from them and observing in her own quiet way. I can’t help but think they all know something.
That has been happening alot in the last week or so. Swazi has been very docile towards the others.
Just a few minutes ago did Umngani ever give it to Moose. She was pushing back with all her might, and the funny part was as she was winning the bout all the other elephants went running in that direction. Khosi looked surprised at the whole thing with her ears out and trunk half up. What a fascinating adventure this morning. Elephants can certainly keep you glued to the webcam for hours and hours.
Musi pushed his luck this morning, and Umgani had quite more than enough of him! She suddenly took off after him and all the little ones and Swazi immediately rushed to help chase him away. I don’t know where he ended up, but I sure saw that the herd meant business. Wow, Swazi moves FAST for a girl about to give birth! Wondering why Dula and Luti are separated from the herd this morning?
Early this morning, Neepo was rubbing his tusk area against a handy rock. Do elephant tusks come through much like teething and is he experiencing this now?
Moderator’s note: Your question has been forwarded to our Elephant Team.
From what I’ve read they start out as milk teeth which they lose around age 1 so maybe Neepo’s are getting ready to fall out
I would think it’s similiar to our own baby teeth, when our permanent teeth start to grow we lose our baby ones.
The tusks present at birth are only milk teeth which fall out after around one year of age (approximately 5 cm long). The permanent tusks begin to protrude beyond the lips of an elephant at around 2-3 years of age, and will continue to grow throughout its life.The growth rate of tusks is at approximately 15-18 centimeters per year.
Interesting! Then, I think he was working on this process yesterday because he seemed purpose and need driven in maneuvering his tusk area around that handy rock. Thank you Donna, I appreciate your knowledge.
Just now (1PM PDT) the ellies were in the pool and looked like they were having fun. Unfortunately the camera view was from across the yard so it was impossible to see who was in the pool. Can’t we have close up shots when they are in the pool? Those of us on the east coast can’t get to the park to see the ellies up close and would enjoy it.
Unfortunately, not all shifts are covered by volunteers. When a volunteer goes off shift, they try to leave the camera aimed where action has been occurring. This is unfortunate, but it is the best that can occur when there is no volunteer scheduled at that time.
I have a question – who does Swazi “hang out” with. I always thought elephants had a best buddy. Who from the herd would be with her when she gives birth?
Thanks.
Moderator’s note: Your question has been forwarded to our Elephant Team.
Swazi is more a of lone wolf, so we’ll probably just have her son, Macembe, with her.
Thanks for the info. That’s a little sad. Usually isn’t a birth a big deal for the herd?
Moderator’s note: She won’t be totally alone, as the rest of the herd will no doubt be watching from the other side of the fence. And who could blame them–it IS an exciting event!
Do the wild mule deer watch too?
I just tuned in at 1:20 p.m. Pacific time to see the trainers going throught their routines with the ellies, when the cam operator decided to move over to an empty yard with an empty pond. It’s very interesting to see the ellies obeying their trainer’s commands, why can’t we watch them in action?
“It’s very interesting to see the ellies obeying their trainer’s commands, why can’t we watch them in action?”
Maybe the zookeepers are sensitive about that? After so many circus owners hurt elephants in the name of making them display artificial behaviors for people to watch, I get why a zookeeper training an elephant artificial behaviors in the name of veterinary care wouldn’t want to make a show of it.
San Diego Zoo Global responds: We are proud of the husbandry training we do with elephants. In fact, we built the Zoo’s Elephant Odyssey exhibit so that our guests can observe daily training sessions with elephants. We can’t say for sure why the Elephant Cam pulled away that day; it could have been the camera operator was looking for other elephant interactions or perhaps the operator was on break or busy following the actions on one of our four other animal Cams. It is our practice to turn the camera to show a wide view of the exhibit when the camera operator is on break in order to make sure that you don’t miss the elephants when they are in different areas of the yard.
Awesome, thanks for the info moderator and keep up the good work zookeepers!
Glad someone brought this up, this seems to happen at least once every day where the cam just looks onto either the pool or the yard and nothing is happening.
Like Mary i love to see the ellies interact with their keepers, and it would be great to see them go through their paces.
Sorry if this sounds like a complaining post, its not meant to be, i just love seeing your ellies as much as i can.
P.S. Any news on the expectant mum yet?
Moderator’s note: We are grateful for our volunteer cam operators. Sometimes there a glitches, but we hope that overall you are enjoying this unique view of elephants. And we are still awaiting the birth of Swazi’s second calf. Trunks crossed that all goes well!
What’s going on with Dula tonight? She is spinning in circles, backing into gates and rocks, running in small circles, head up, tail up….is this a happy dance after the cooling evening swim? Hope she is okay! She’s been doing this for several minutes.
Donna and I think it was Swazi. Hmm….
I saw some of this as well. She seemed very agitated! She threw a rock and it zoomed right by Luti! I don’t think I have seen Ndula that active since I started watching the cams! lol Thankfully, Swazi came down and calmed her. She is such a good leader!
I am quite certain that it was Ndula who was agitated on Wednesday evening. Over time her right tusk has grown larger. Although the tusk still points somehat downward, she can be easily mistaken for Swazi at times. Also maybe the Elephant team can offer some insight as to why Dula was so upset? Thanks
Yes, it was definitely Dula that was in a mood or discomfort, and when Swazi stood by her side, she calmed and let Luti nurse, then Swazi stayed near her when she eventually walked out to the rock structure. I was sad and concerned for her because it was seemingly something she could not control.
I can never tell them apart when they aren’t together. I find Dula looks pregnant as well so I was even more confused. LOL. Thanks for clearing it up.
6:27 pm PST Swazi sure is carrying on . one would almost think she’s in labor or something has her really upset?
Donna, I was watching at the same time last night . She was very restless. First in the pool and then near the gate. I’ve never seen her so agitated. I figured it’s because labor is getting close.
It was actually Dula, and I have sure never seen her like that before. Hopefully the elephant team can enlighten us. My husband thinks she may be going into estrus, i am wondering if the hot weather set her off or if the ground is hot to her feet? I did some reading on elephant behavior and found nothing to explain it. Hey team, you out there?? : ). What’s with Dula last night?
Moderator’s note: Our Elephant Team says all is well today with all concerned, just some elephant hijinks!
So it wa like when kea birds trash cars, something Ndlulamitsi did just for the heck of it? That’s cool.
I’m also anxious about Swazi’s baby (as in wondering every day, did she give birth). is there any tell-tale behavior that has been noticed with expecting mothers to tell that the baby may come in a day or 2? do you just have to wait until water breaks?
I think the cam volunteers are cool. I mean, this is time spent doing free labor. after reading that the controls are remotely operated, it’s understood why it can be a challenge to center and focus on particular elephants. I guess I assumed the cam operator sat in some windowed room within one of the big rock formations and got a big view of the whole yard.
Moderator’s note: In fact, the cam operators are responsible for manning all of our cams at the same time, so it’s understandable if some action gets missed on one cam while it is followed on another. They do a great job!
Thank you for letting us know the logistics of the cams! My goodness, watching all of the cams at the same time, gives me great respect for the operators! I know I couldn’t do it, I’m not very good at multi-tasking! lol
Can’t view any webcams from safari park or zoo this morning and don’t know who to contact. Hope the moderator can forward this message to the appropriate persons. Miss viewing! Restarted IPad several times then uninstalled and reinstalled the app….nothing works. Bummer! Thanks for any help. Works on regular computer, just not on IPad.
Moderator’s note: Thank you for letting us know. We’re on the case
Awesome! It is once again working! : ). Now I can go back to checking on Swazi and all the others! Thank you so much for your help! : ).
9:30 am pst Cam operator just got a beautiful shot of some of the ellies standing just back of the rear entrance to the rock cove in the one yard. Now that would make a wonderful photo to have as a picture.. Thanks for the close up!
Oh, I saw that too – happened to look over and the picture was frozen on that beautiful shot – so lovely, excellent lighting. We would never have that view when visiting the park, never be able to get photo. I reflexively clicked on the refresh icon and was instantly sorry I did – should have tried to keep that image somehow.
Now at 2:30, guess something’s happening on one of the other cams, ’cause elephants are in the water, but too far away to identify who they are or what they’re doing. Darn. Guess its too hard to get enough volunteers for seperate cams, or maybe just not set up that way?
So glad we’re able to ‘tune in’ before 8am and eventually get sight of Swazi before getting on with the day – know that she hasn’t given birth yet. Thanks cam operator(s).
Delia.. sometimes when I know the cam operators are busy and can’t zoom in so we can see who is having a pool party, I raise my zoom level up to about 150% and it allows me to be able to see the ellies. I can usually figure out who’s who. Just an idea you might want to try.
Thanks – yeah, our Zoom level is set on 170% when watching the ellie webcam – any higher and it starts getting too grainy and/or distorted.
Am wondering who was playing in the smaller pool around 9:30AM ellie time today. Was it Musi and Dula? They had their backs to the cam, so hard to tell. Then a little ellie came to join… Luti?
10:04 PST. First time I’ve ever seen any ellies in the far pool, Msholo and Musi in it at the moment.
Nothing like mud with friends on a very hot day!! : )
I have a question about the elephants and their food. On a previous blog I believe I read they eat 125 pounds of food a day. If that amount of food is for the adults, how do the elephant keepers know how much food to put out for the calves? I know the keepers do know how much to put out, but how do they know? Is it over many years of observation that a 2 year old will eat X amount of pounds, a 3 year old will eat X amount more. Etc etc etc.
Moderator’s note: Your question has been forwarded to our Elephant Team.
I must say I absolutely love the close up shots of Swazi. That is giving me the opportunity to zoom and watch the little one in her belly exercise. It is just heart warming to think of how fun it is going to be watching this one grow. Thank you so much for the cam and volunteers that help bring this to us.
If you will read the new blog, you will find the baby is high and to the right. You are definitely NOT seeing a baby exercising in the belly.
Well, Swazi sure seems to be taking her own sweet time. Are there any biological indicators that this birth is really imminent? She is probably gathering quite an audience.
I would think like human babies, animal due dates can only be estimated to within a couple of weeks either way from time of mating and conception.
As the old saying goes.. baby comes when baby is ready
But like a lot of us, the anticipation of the delivery is growing with each passing day.
I thought there were often hormonal indicators in the urine or the milk just before the birth and I was wondering if those had happened or if tests were even being done. In horses there are also physical changes, but they can be fairly subtle and are observed from a closer perspective than with the ellies.
Elephant Team responds: We look for things including dilation, mammary gland secretions, and a mucous plug. We correlate this visual information with the hormonal data that we are getting through urine assays.
OK, thanks. That is what I was wondering. How far ahead of the birth do you see the hormonal change? And if mom is still nursing the first offspring, what mammary gland secretions are observed?
Once when I was at the park, I was told that the due date is around August 22, but it would be possible that birth could occur late July. So, if that is correct information, we aren’t there yet, but soon! And yes, I get up each morning bright and early and hope to find the cam operator showing Swazi so I can start my day knowing if a calf was born the night before. : )
Pat
I’m like you, I check each morning PST to see Swazi in hopes that the calf had been born during the night. But with the due date given to you as the 22nd, we’ve got 9 days to go. I can only imagine Swazi is thinking like most moms to be.. can’t be soon enough in those last few weeks of added weight, uncomfortableness etc. lol
Checked in at 4 p.m Pacific time to see a great shot of Umngani and her brood all by themselves munching on a snack. Such a great momma she is.
Are there any signs we can look for in Swazi’s behavior that will tell us she is really close to delivering her new calf? I’m talking about behaviors we might notice on the elephant cam… Boy, am I getting anxious to see a new baby at safari Park!!! Sigh…
Moderator’s note: Hang in there, Deborah!
Thanks, Moderator. I am TRYING to exercise a little patience up here. Cannot wait to get back down to your area again to see all of these lovely ellies — and especially once the new one is born.
Like most ellie fans, I absolutely melt when I see these little guys with their charming newborn antics… sigh… 
What does it mean when an elephant is walking and then stops briefly to swing a front foot gently back and forth above the ground? At first I thought perhaps it was a greeting, but sometimes there is not another elephant nearby. Is it to ease a joint, say hello, or something else?
Elephant Team responds: Only the elephant knows for sure
It may not apply to all situations, but I had read that elephant defensive and/or submissive behavior may be displayed as foot-swinging, backing up, flattening of the ears, arching the back, raising the tail, dust throwing, etc.
I am just watching 4 of the younger elephants throw dirt on themselves this morning. Since elephants throw dirt, mud, hay and anything else they can find all over themselves, do they ever get a good hose down? I know they go swimming but I was wondering if off camera somewhere in the barn they get hosed off from time to time.
Yes they do! Some of them really enjoy it.
Now I’m curious. I always thought that all elephants enjoyed water. Which of our herd could be happier without getting sprayed down?
This is just a guess, but since water pressure from the hose is different than water pressure from the nose, some may enjoy the sensation more than others. It may also be a matter of choice: My idea = great fun while your idea maybe not so much.
None of them!
Yes, considering the way they hose themselves down with their trunks (with water from the pools) I can well imagine they enjoy getting literally hosed down by the keepers!! Is it the cooling effect of the water they like so much, or just water itself that makes them so happy. They sure enjoy, mud, grass, and dust thrown all over their bodies. I laugh as I watch them dutifully coating themselves with whatever is handy — I assume this is to lessen the heat of the sun on their tender skin??? Sooooooo entertaining to watch them in these endeavors.
From what I’ve read on ellies.. the dirt and mud they throw on themselves is to protect their delicate skin from bug bites and the sun. and I would think the pool parties is for fun, to clean off and reapply new mud and dirt.
Interesting fact I only just learned is their trunks can hold 3 gallons of water.I expect blowing it out full force would be like the pressure of a water hose .. maybe
I have only just recently noticed that NeePo has also begun tossing dirt on himself. His sideways throws have been a bit low, but he is improving. Looking forward soon to when he learns to scoop up and maintain grasp on larger trunkfulls of dirt or mud, and then attempt a big over-the head-toss.
No water in the pool on this hot August day. Is this because birth is immentent? : )
Awesome! Swimming again in a nice clean pool! It is SO HOT lately and that pool is very inviting! : )
Watching Mosholo this morning, I need an elephant in my yard to trim the trees! : )
hahahahaha
these days, I’m checking most mornings on Swazi. the cam was focused on the kids rolling around in the mud. looked like great fun. Swazi was with the group so I guess no little one yet. Neepo seemed to debate whether to climb another calf’s head (oww for those ears) but clunkered down to lay on the mud.
There was a very touching and sad segment on NBS world news last night about a woman trying to care for orphaned baby elle’s in Africa. Wish they could all go to SD to be cared for, or AZ. I’m sure Lungille would be happy to care for a few.
Michelle, the segment you mention was with Chelsea Clinton in Kenya and the woman is Dame Daphne Sheldrick. She started the trust and named it after her husband, David Sheldrick. You can foster orphaned elephants and rhinos and keep up with the progress of the orphans as well. And yes…..I wish there were no poachers to lead to orphaned ellies – but I’m thankful for SD zoo and Safari Park, as well as Dame Sheldrick for helping these majestic creatures continue to roam.
I just finished reading a book by Dame Daphne Sheldrick, called Love, Life, and Elephants that I found quite interesting. What a life she’s had!