North American Asian Elephant Population 2024

Not all of these elephants are at their Yulee campus. A lot of the older girls and a couple bulls are still living down at the old ringling campus and will never be moved due to their age.

African sperm can be frozen whereas Asian sperm is more difficult. IIRC Asian sperm can be chilled but they haven’t mastered the art of freezing as the quality of the sample drops drastically and its use has never resulted in a successful pregnancy.

 

Interesting! Do you know which individuals are still at the Ringling Campus? If White Oak does have ownership of all the former Ringling Animals, then that confirms that they are only those individuals are still alive.

 

While I can't speak for Isa, Viola is still very much alive and still traveling with the circus. As can be seen from her well publicized escape from her handlers a few days ago.
https://www.npr.org/2024/04/17/1245305091/circus-elephant-escaped-butte-montana

 

I thought that the name sounded familiar!

Geez, poor girl. At least the incident was short, the locals gave her plenty of space, and no one was hurt.

I don't think anyone wants a repeat of what happened with Tyke in 1994. Tyke (elephant) - Wikipedia

 

Tulsa will be opening their new Elephant Preserve barn to the public on April 24th! The rest of the habitat will be finished and open in early 2025.
Tulsa Zoo on Instagram: "Tulsa Zoo is opening the new Elephant Preserve Barn to the public on April 24, 2024. The barn is now the primary residence of the zoo’s three geriatric elephants Booper, Sneezy and Sooky while renovations are completed in The Oxley Family Elephant Experience."

 

If I had it my way, they would transfer Shanti and Joy to the Smithsonian National Zoo. Boom, immediate multi-generational herd. They just got two elephants though, so that's the wrench in those plans, unless they did another transfer.

It would be really nice for Miami to get serious about elephants again, poor Nellie could use some friends and what's the point of Ongard being there if not for breeding? The climate is pretty perfect for Asian elephants, not to mention, pretty similar to Houston's (hot and humid, prone to storms).

 

Shanti’s mother is at Washington DC but I don’t see that transfer happening. Maybe they can move Bozie though.

 

The initial plan was to acquire females following Nellie (and Dahlip's) passings.

Considering Ongard hasn't been placed in a breeding situation at this stage, I'd imagine there would still be the intention of acquiring females for him down the line. He hasn't been trained for AI as of yet too, which I think further supports this.

 

Shanti and Bozie have been seperated for decades now. Reintroducing them presents loads more challenges than benefits especially given that both are a part of long established social groups.

Ongard and Nellie are on exhibit together iirc (anyone feel free to correct me if I'm wrong though), so both are receiving socialization even if not an ideal way. Miami's recent plans for elephants are honestly very up in the air. As others have pointed out, their exhibit is not large enough to house a growing breeding herd, so they'd have to undergo severe rennovations before even considering bringing in cows for Ongard. I've seen speculation that they might be a future bachelor facility given their current exhibit layout, but I've seen nothing from the facility themselves that hints to that.

 

Baylor from Houston has made his move to Denver. He has already be reintroduced to his brother Duncan.

Denver Zoo on Instagram: "Please help us give a warm welcome to our newest resident, Baylor the Asian elephant! Fourteen-year-old Baylor arrived from Houston Zoo at the recommendation of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Asian Elephant Species Survival Plan (SSP). This move supports our ongoing efforts to help protect Endangered Asian elephants and supports the natural history of this species. Thanks to our facilities and expertise, we’re able to provide a great home for male elephants, ensuring they live happily and healthily when it’s time for them to leave their maternal herds. Integrating a new elephant into an established herd is no small task, but we’re happy to share that Baylor is settling in well! Our skilled elephant care team is carefully managing his transition, prioritizing his comfort and well-being. Baylor's arrival was also made even more special by a sweet reunion with his younger brother, 10-year-old Duncan, who joined us last year. Duncan has been an incredible addition to our bachelor herd, and we’re excited to see the brotherly support he offers Baylor during this new chapter. According to our friends in Houston, Baylor is a gentle and thoughtful elephant who loves interacting with his care team and enjoys snacking on browse or hay. Our Animal Care Specialists will continue to gradually introduce Baylor to the other members of our bachelor herd including 54-year-old Groucho, 20-year-old Bodhi, 16-year-old Billy and 14-year-old Jake. As he acclimates to his new home, Baylor may have access to behind-the-scenes indoor spaces, or outdoor Toyota Elephant Passage habitats. Join us in welcoming Baylor to Denver Zoo and be sure to say hi to him during your next visit! Head to the link in our bio to get your tickets today. "

 

I would expect that bull Chuck will move out fairly soon now (from Denver Zoo) for breeding purposes elsewhere.

 

Apparently the plan is to send him over to Houston; where he has a breeding recommendation with Joy.

 

Joy isn’t old enough to breed yet though till next year. The AZA guidelines recommend to start breeding elephants by the time they’re 8 years old, Joy is still 6 years old turning 7 next month. And I thought he was going to Houston to breed with Tupelo…