Elephants: A Zoo Family
Posted at 4:38 pm March 16, 2009 by Rick Schwartz
Asian elephant Sumithi, at left, and African elephant Tembo
I found out that Tembo, the San Diego Zoo’s 38-year-old female African elephant, came to the Zoo when she was about 12. Before that, Tembo was a movie and television star in Hollywood. That probably explains why she is such a ham when she sees someone with a camera on a tripod!
From front to back: Devi, Sumithi, and Tembo
For the upcoming opening of the Zoo’s Elephant Odyssey, Tembo, Devi, and Sumithi will be introduced to the four Asian elephants that will be coming from the Wild Animal Park. Although Tembo is the only African elephant, the San Diego Zoo recognizes that she is comfortable and secure with her current family herd of Asian elephants. Keeping that in mind, the staff is working hard to make the best decisions for her. As with any animal introduction, careful thought and consideration will go into every detail. The veterinary and animal care teams have thoroughly evaluated possible risks associated with forming a new herd at Elephant Odyssey. Based on these evaluations, plans have been made that offer the least amount of risk for the introduction of the Zoo and Park herds and that will result in everyone having the best living conditions for their needs. By introducing Tembo, Devi, and Sumithi together to a new home and new elephants, we expect the transition will be easier for all of them. They will find something familiar (each other) in a new and inviting place. Of course, we will keep a close eye on the Zoo’s elephants and the Park’s herd and will make changes as the relationship develops between them.
With that, I think I’ll head up to the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park this week and get to know the newest herd member, our baby African elephant! Of course I’ll fill you all in on what I find out about the little (big) guy!
Rick Schwartz is the San Diego Zoo’s Elephant Odyssey Ambassador.
Read his previous post, Seriously, This Is What I Do.
Read previous posts about the Zoo’s elephants: Zoo Elephants: Meet Tembo, Zoo Elephants: Meet Devi, and Zoo Elephants: Meet Smitty.
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March 16th, 2009 at 5:43 pm
Hi, I was wondering if any of the asians that they will be intro’d any bulls?? Because I’ve been curious as to if elephants can interbreed.
Thank you!!!!
March 16th, 2009 at 7:55 pm
Nice to see more info on this herd!
It’s nice to see the Elephant Overlook and Elephant Cam webpages with info on each of those herd members, but I couldn’t find a counterpart webpage for the Asian elephant herd at the Wild Animal Park or for this mixed herd.
I understand that at Elephant Overlook you need to keep the African elephant herd and Asian (soon to be Asian+Tembo) elephant herd separate because of the virus problem. However, do the herds still interact in any way, such as one elephant trumpeting and elephants in both herds reacting to the sound?
March 17th, 2009 at 5:01 am
And, how big will their exhibit be?? Sorry to be a bother with these questions.
March 17th, 2009 at 6:26 am
Will Elephant Odyssey be done by May 23rd?
March 17th, 2009 at 11:42 am
Thanks, Rick, for the information on the zoo elephants. I did not know that they had elephants at the zoo because they had them at the wild animal park. That was such great news for me. I would like to meet Tembo and her pals. I live in PA now, but met my husband years ago in CA, he was aLAFD firefighter and we moved back here to my home state when he retired. I saw that movie Born Free, years ago. Anyway thanks again. One question, will you tell camera guys to put their cameras back on th enew baby boy elephant. We only got to see him Friday and Saturday, then we were put on the tree with the ball for 3 days now and the camera lens has bugs or something on it and needs cleaned off. You know you really don’t know just how large the elephants are until you see how giant those gates really are in the enclosure, when the camera is really close.
March 17th, 2009 at 2:56 pm
I didn’t know that the two species of elephants could live together. Interesting and educational story. Plus there’s a new baby at the Park? Can we see pics soon and perhaps a blog? I realize they’ve got nothing else to do but just love the elephants. Thx U
Moderator’s note: You can view photos of the elephant baby in our What’s New? section
http://www.sandiegozoo.org/whatsnew/
March 17th, 2009 at 5:35 pm
Nicholas – The very handsome bull, Ranchipur, will be one of the four Asian elephants coming to live at Elephant Odyssey. However we will not have any breeding. To answer your question about interbreeding, in all of my records I can only find one instance where it was attempted in Europe in the 1970s. Apparently there was a live birth, but the calf did not survive.
Mark – Keep an eye out for more of the information you are looking for coming to the Web site as we get closer to the opening of Elephant Odyssey. As far as one herd responding to the vocalizations of the other, I have not witnessed this, but it doesn’t mean it does not happen.
Nicholas – I’m glad to see your enthusiasm for the upcoming exhibit! Elephant Odyssey will be around 7.5 acres in size, with just under 3 acres being dedicated to the elephant herd.
Taylor – Yes! May 23 is still the BIG day!
Betsy – Glad to hear that you enjoyed learning more about our Zoo elephants. I will pass on your comments to those who monitor the camera; thanks for your input.
LK –I’m so glad to hear that you found it educational, that’s one of my goals – to educate and promote our conservation efforts! Like the moderator pointed out, there’s a link about the new baby at the Wild Animal Park, it will give you a little more information. Also, keep an eye out for a new blog post about the new baby – I am hopefully going to get something up soon!
My best,
-Rick
March 18th, 2009 at 9:41 am
Thanks, Rick!
Also, will the new webpages include the cool full names you gave them all?
I mean, Musi’s page says “Vus’musi
(vuss MOOSE)
Moose or Musi”
but Khosi’s page just says
“Khosi
(CO see)”
and it wasn’t until I saw the Imperial Valley News article that I found out it’s short for Inhlitiyo ye Inkhosikati.
Also, why no breeding for the Asian+Tembo herd? Would it be a health risk for the cows or are you waiting for the elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus epidemic to stop or is Ranchipur gay or are you running out of room or does the Species Survival Plan say it would be too inbred so wait until you get Asian elephant sperm from somewhere else?
March 18th, 2009 at 12:46 pm
I see the baby out in the big wide open…soooo exciting! Is his mom nursing him and still nursing Khosi?
March 19th, 2009 at 5:42 am
Thanks Rick,
San Diego Zoo does an awesome job with elephants and I appreciate everything you do for them conservation wise, both wild and at the zoo.
March 19th, 2009 at 7:28 am
I am looking forward to a post about the new baby. When I saw the video I thought it was a mistake and we were watching an older video. I had no idea that Umngani was even pregnant since I had seen nothing about it in the few blogs that are posted about the elephants. I hope you will fill us in on details with lots of new pictures.
March 19th, 2009 at 9:41 am
Mark the reason they are not breeding the Asian + Tembo herd is because all the Asians are well past prime breeding age. The youngest of the SDWAP Asian Elephants is Ranchipur and he is 43 years old. Devi is the youngest at the zoo at 31 years old, which is too old to become a first time mom. It might be okay if she had been having babies her whole life, but for a first time mom it’s too old and it could pose a risk to her or the baby.
March 19th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
Mark – As far as I know, the new Web page for Elephant Odyssey should carry all the information you are looking for when it goes live or shortly thereafter – Stay tuned!
Michelle – My understanding is that Khosi was nursing less before her little brother was born and is starting the weaning process; more updates are coming soon.
Taylor – Thanks so much, I will pass your kind words on to the staff! We appreciate your support!
Jan – I am working on that very post and will try to have it up by week’s end – and yes there will be pictures!
March 19th, 2009 at 3:09 pm
Thanks again for the info, Rick. I look forward to the new Elephant Odyssey pages (especially since I live too far away from San Diego to visit soon).
It’s sad knowing that all the elephants in the Asian + Tembo herd are past middle age – this means they’ll eventually see each other die of old age one by one, right?
Will San Diego get younger Asian elephants too to keep keeping the ones you have company and to try for babies?
Also, I was curious and went to the website for the AZA Elephant TAG/SSP. On one page it said that in 2008 there were:
“150 African elephants reside in 48 AZA accredited institutions
23 males
127 females”
“141 Asian elephants reside in 40 AZA accredited institutions
27 males
114 females”
Did more females get imported in the first place? If not, what happened to all the other males? Your African herd seems to have a 50-50 male-female birth ratio and poor Lungile’s baby
was female, which leaves even more males than females in their generation.
March 20th, 2009 at 9:41 am
I heard zoo keeper Jeff on the radio this morning talking about the baby elephant. What a wonderful job you all do. God bless you all.
March 20th, 2009 at 10:34 am
Speaking of new African elephant babies, I saw some news today that might be interesting even though it’s not about the San Diego babies.
The BBC News website today has an article by reporter Rebecca Morelle about a pale pink baby elephant that cameraman Mike Holding spotted in a herd of about 80 elephants in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. The BBC asked ecologist Dr Mike Chase about this too.
Moderator’s note: Dr. Chase is the newest member of San Diego Zoo Conservation Research. He is studying the movement of elephants and the human/elephant conflict in southern Africa.
Read more about his work: http://www.sandiegozoo.org/conservation/index.php/places/africa/living_large_elephant_conservation_in_botswana/
March 26th, 2009 at 7:24 pm
Hi!Rick!The hybrid elephant you are talking about was born in 1978 at the chester zoo in great britain.It was a boy named Motty.The result of a female asian and male African.It lived for a few days and is now on display at the british natural history museum in LOndon.It has feautures from both species.I’am curious with the youngest Asian still only 31 from what I have read she still could deliver a calf.What about the bull?Why would he be too old?That I’am curious about because I’am sure his bloodline would be viable to the captive group of asians here in the states.I know Los angeles is building a state of the art for their asians like yours and wants to breed asians.It would only be a plus for San Diego to have a breeding program for Asians as well as Africans.I know The Staff will leave Tembo with the Asian herd .Yet,I believe with the right introduction she would make a wonderfull addition to the African herd.To be part of a group with her own species and younger elephants and for them to have an older elephant around.That leaves me to my question will San Diego bring in more Africans for the larger exhibit?Also,Will the elephant odyseesy consider breeding asians in the future?I grew up in the Tel Aviv area in Israel and the wild animal park has had an enormous success with African and Asian elephant births.More than 35 from both species.Living in Los angeles for a few years looking at their old exhibit with both species exhibited together always bothered me a little bit.Seeing how the herds in Israel are kept differently.Anyway,I look forward to seeing the new exhibit.The whole concept of it is very original.
April 3rd, 2009 at 11:26 pm
gLAD TO SEE THE NEW INFRMATION ON THE NEW EXHIBIT!iT REALLY LOOKS GREAT! i’AM GLAD TO SEE ALOT OF NEW ELEPHANT EXHIBITS BEING BUILT.tWO NEW ASIAN ELEPHANT EXHIBITS ALSO IN WASHINGTON DC AND LOS ANGELES AND TWO NEW AFRICAN ELEPHANT
EXHIBITS IN DALLAS AND CLEVELAND.iF YOU DO NOT MOVE tEMBO TO WILD ANIMAL PARK.mAYBE YOU CAN MOVE HERE TO dALLAS OR CLEVELAND?
April 6th, 2009 at 9:05 pm
William, Tembo already has a family! Wouldn’t it be cruel to take her away from Sumithi and Devi after all these years?
April 7th, 2009 at 10:53 am
I was woundering if you had any information on EEHV. I am doing a speech on it for my speech class. And I have read that the Asian elephants get it fomr African elephants. Is that any cause for alarm, since Devi and Sumithi are rooming with Tembo (since she is an African elephant)?
Please let me know.
Thanks in advance.
April 7th, 2009 at 2:46 pm
Mark,I want to tell you I mean no harm or I’am not trying to be cruel in any way.Actually ,it is the total opposite.Plus,I know San Diego is one of the best zoos in the United States.I’am not so sure about it being cruel though because Tembo is a very different species from Sumithi and Devi.They would have never met in the wild being from two different continents.I understand she has been with them along time for many years.I do believe it is a bond.Yet an unnatural one.I just think it would be great for her to be with her own species to be part of a large african herd.For her to experience would truly be a great thing!Especially to be around youngsters of her own species.If not a being able to reproduce and be a mother than to be an auntie would be a great thing.I have read about African elephants being put together with other africans after being with asians and adjusting very well.Actually,I think San Diego zoo missed the boat with Maggie the Elephant in Alaska.They should have taken her instead of the PAWS sanctuary.I believe the expert that reccomended her to stay at alaska did not know what he was talking about because she has adjusted very well to her new family.She could have adjusded very well at san diego animal park and maybe could have been a mother.Actually,Mark the majority of zoos in the United states are not exhibiting african and Asian elephants together anymore.It was a mistake from the beginning.It is no longer being done.I’am positive San Diego would never do this again.Actually Tembo should Have been at San diego wild animal park along long time ago and Devi should have been introduced to ranciphur the bull along time ago.These species are no longer being imported into the united states and captive breeding is important.I feel 100 percent San diego is taking the right step by exhibiting elephant in herds.I’am just not A believer in zoos that have only two to three elephants in a zoo.They should be kept in herds wirth at least a bull.aLSO,tHOSE ZOOS THAT HAVE ONLY TWO TO THREE ELEPHANTS SHOULD TRANSFER THEM TO ANOTHER zoo.In other words I believe less zoos in the united staes should have elephants.Instead of maybe 40 AZA zoos having elephants maybe 25 shouldZoos like Rochester niabi zoo and others that only have two cows are a mistake.If they are to be kept in captivity thatn they desrve the very best.I do believe San diego is one of the zoos doping the right thing by displaying these animals in herds.I jusy not a fan of mixed elephant species exhibitFrom my research only Seattle,Tuscon,and Topeka zoos have mixed species elephant exhibits in the united states.You see Mark I grew up in Israel in Tel AvivThe animal park over there always displayed there elephants separately and in herds.Thewy never mixed species more than 35 asian and african elephants have been born there in almost 40 years time.San diego being probably the greatest zoo in the united states I believe should do the same.I mean Israel is no where near like the united states and they did it.Otherwise,I applaud San diego for there beautiful new exhibit and the upcoming larger african exhibit.They are displaying Elephants in a healthier setting more natural setting for the public
Mark I grew up always going to the animal park in Israel so please understand my opinion I think it is valid.i BElieve with a great new concept exhibir San diego Zoo should SERIOUSLY THINK ABOUT AN ASIAN ELEPHANT BREEDING PROGRAm.BY THE WAY ONE OF THE MANY ASIANS BORN IN ISRAEL HAS JUST GIVEN BIRTH HERSELF FOR THE SECOND TIME RECERNTLY .SHE IS AT THE GREAT COLUMBUS ZOO
April 24th, 2009 at 9:36 pm
Well,The new exhibit looks great and I’am excited about it.I’am still dissapaointed that tembo will not be intriduced to her conspecifics at wild animal park.i just bought a dvd today on Elephants in Africa.I was thinking about Tembo.That was where she came from before she was brought into Captivity.Personally,I feel you could at least give her the closet thing to it.Bring her back to an African elephant herd.Let her know her own kind.Like I said coming from Tel Aviv Israel .I just do not understand.Especially coming from my new country the UNited States of Americaand what is considered one of the best zoos in the united states.
May 6th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
William, If they brought Tembo to the Wild Animal Park she would expose the EEVH virus to the valuable African herd. Many of the calves would probably catch the virus and die and the WAP would not be supporting the captive African Elephant population anymore, so thank God the San Diego Zoo made the right decision and kept Tembo with her herd mates, and didn’t expose the virus to the African herd. Luckily the virus won’t affect Tembo at all since she is older, but is it EXTREMELY deadly to young elephants like the babies at WAP.
Also, back in the 70’s elephant care was in its infancy and it was thought to be okay placing Africans with Asians. Now, that would never be done, but it would be cruel to take Tembo away from Devi and Smitty, whom she has lived with for over two decades now. Elephants form close bonds between each other, and once the bonds are formed they shouldn’t be separated.
May 7th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
Okay,What is the eevh virus?Why would another african elephant catch that from another african elephant?Also,Where did Tembo catch this from(If she even did)?From the asians??Please explain this to me.I’am really want to know.yeah,you are right about that asians and africans are not exhibited together anymore.I can only think of three other zoos that still exhibit african and asian elephants together.Seatle,Topeka, and Tuscon zoos.To me it really is a VERY primitive practice to do so.I thought with San Diego being considered one of the best zoos it would not be here of all the zoos in the world.I’am not so sure about that being an alibi.Threre is actually another zoo .I Think Memphis.The african female is with aan asian female.She just gave birth either one or two years ago to a male calf.I will tell you the situation and post it.
May 7th, 2009 at 4:46 pm
Okay,Taylor.Memphis is actually expecting it’s first african elephant birth.Great!!The Louisville zoo has mixed elephant exhibit.One female asian(Punch),One female african(Miki),and her two year old male calf(Scotty).It does not look like Scotty caught anything from Punch the asian elephant.Please explain this to me.Personally,If I was in Africa right now looking at wild african elephants like Rick.I would want Tembo to know her own species.Like I said I’am from Israel and the zoo from Tel aviv has had more asian and african births than any other zoo in the world.All you have to do is look on the elephant database and see for yourself.Also,It would be nice for san diego to start an asian elephant breeding program.The exhibit looks like it is going to be great.It is a shame they are not going to have babies in the future.
May 9th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
The EEVH virus can be transferred when Asian and African Elephants are mixed. Basically all it is, is internal bleeding and is the #1 killer for baby elephants in captivity. It was not known that this would happen back when Tembo was put in with the Asians. Tembo will not die from the virus because she is older and it is not even known if she has it. If she by chance does and they put her in with the African herd at the park she could transfer it to all the elephants there and potentially kill all their babies. To be honest, the WAP herd is probably the most valuable herd in the country and to introduce a deadly virus to a healthy valuable herd would be jeopardizing the captive population of African Elephants. It would be extremely cruel to take Tembo away from Devi and Smitty. She has formed very close bonds with them as you can see in the photo. Taking an elephant away from a family member could cause severe depression for Tembo and the herd-mate. This in turn would cause Tembo’s immune system to weaken, and she would be prone to many diseases and infections, so my point is why would you want Tembo to be separated from her herd members that she knows and loves?? Just because having an African Elephant with an Asian Elephant seems strange to you is no viable answer!
May 9th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
I forgot to add, all the Elephant Odyssey elephants are too old to breed anymore. Believe me, if the elephants of EO were young enough to breed San Diego would be breeding them.
May 13th, 2009 at 7:45 am
Taylor, I agree with you that there’s a huge difference between not starting new mixed herds today and breaking up mixed herds that were started years ago!
As for the EEVH virus, this article:
“Spotlight on Zoo Science
“April 1, 2005
“Tracking an Elephant Killer”
says “There are two forms of EEHV. One form is latent (doesn’t cause disease) in African elephants, but causes the fatal disease in Asian elephants; the other form causes the disease in African elephants. Asian elephants may be infected with EEHV when they come into contact with African elephants, although there have also been cases in Asian elephants that have not been exposed to African elephants.”
From this I got the impression that Asian elephant calves can get sick from catching the virus from healthy African elephants but not vice-versa, so moving Tembo to the WAP wouldn’t put the African calves at risk of the form that causes the disease in African elephants but still would put Tembo at risk of severe depression (as you noted) and possibly put the other elephants at risk of depression (seeing her being so sad).