North American Asian Elephant Population 2024

Happy New Year everyone! To start 2024, here's a quick updated population list to get us started! I want to note that if you notice any inaccuracies, please feel free to let me know. If anyone could provide more information on 0.1 Maya born sometime in February of 2021 at ALS in Canada, I would greatly appreciate it! I would also like to note that unlike in previous years, I have included the currently known pregnancies within the population.


Overview


2023 was an unimpressive year for the Asian Elephant population. We had a total of 6 deaths, 1 birth, 4 imports, and 2 transfers leaving us with a net loss of 1 individual within the population. On the bright side, we have 2 confirmed pregnancies within the population with hopefully 1 or 2 more soon to be announced! Although the current population doesn't have much going on when compared to the amazing progress its African cousins have been making(7 births and 9 current pregnancies), the import of 4 breeding-age females over the last two years, as well as movement of 2 prolific males, should allow for us to see some great improvements in the next 3-5 years!

Spoiler: Imports

0.1 SheRa (Ramon x Irma) was imported/transferred from Dublin Zoo in Ireland to Cincinnati Zoo on November 4th, 2023

0.1 Anak (Alexander x SheRa) was imported/transferred from Dublin Zoo in Ireland to Cincinnati Zoo on November 4th, 2023

1.0 Kabir (Upali x SheRa) was imported/transferred from Dublin Zoo in Ireland to Cincinnati Zoo on November 4th, 2023

1.0 Sanjay (Upali x Anak) was imported/transferred from Dublin Zoo in Ireland to Cincinnati Zoo on November 4th, 2023

Spoiler: Transfers

1.0 Duncan (Shanti x Thailand) was transferred to the Denver Zoo on April 28th, 2023

0.1 Nichole (Wild x Wild) was transferred to the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee in March of 2023

Spoiler: Births

1.0 Travis (Belle x Romeo) was born at Fort Worth Zoo on February 23rd, 2023

Spoiler: Pregnancies

0.1 Jade (Raja x Rani) at Saint Louis Zoo due late 2024 or early 2025

0.1 Rose-Tu (Hugo x Me Tu) at Oregon Zoo due early or late 2025

Spoiler: Deaths

61-year-old Jewel (0.1) was euthanized in January of 2023 after a decline in health

39-year-old Smokey (1.0) at Two Tails Ranch passed away in February of 2023, no other information was given

48-year-old Nichole (0.1) at The Elephant Sanctuary at Tennessee was euthanized in April of 2023 due to chronic foot disease

59-year-old Mary (0.1) at San Diego Zoo was Euthanized on May 1st, 2023 after a decline in health

27-year-old Rani (0.1) at Saint Louis Zoo passed away on October 13th, after suffering from suspected cardiac arrest

52-year-old Donna (0.1) at Saint Louis Zoo was Euthanized on November 9th, 2023 due to rapid and irreversible decline in health.

Population Update


As of today, there are approximately 207 (46.162.0) Asian elephants in North America with roughly 19 (3.16.0) at 2 facilities in Canada and 188(43.145.0) at 41 facilities in the United States. I have tried my hardest to make this an accurate list, however, there are more than a dozen animals with an unknown status which will be highlighted in red if you have any information on them, please let me know so I can update the list accurately.

Spoiler: Current Population

CANADA

Edmonton Valley Zoo - Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

0.1 Lucy (WILD × WILD) 1975.00.00

Total: 0.1.0 (1)

African Lion Safari - Cambridge, Ontario, Canada

1.0 George (Calvin × Phoebe) 1999.10.21
1.0 Johnson (Calvin × Kitty) 2001.04.29
1.0 Onyx (Johnson × Opal) 2018.08.18
0.1 Jenny (WILD × WILD) 1967.00.00
0.1 Maggie (WILD × WILD) 1968.00.00
0.1 Lilly (Motek × Warda) 1985.01.31
0.1 Natasha (Tusko × Whimpy) 1994.02.27
0.1 Piccolo (Alexander × Lilly) 1994.12.11
0.1 Opal (Rex × Natasha) 2005.11.04
0.1 Emily (Rex × Kitty) 2006.04.23
0.1 Nellie (Johnson × Natasha) 2013.08.02
0.1 Hannah (Johnson × Lilly) 2014.10.19
0.1 Anna May (Johnson × Opal) 2015.05.04
0.1 Rose (Johnson × Natasha) 2016.02.28
0.1 Luna (Johnson × Lilly) 2018.08.17
0.1 Sunita (Johnson × Natasha) 2018.11.14
0.1 Imke (Johnson × Lilly) 2020.11.22
0.1 Maya (Johnson x UNK) 2021.02.00

Total: 3.15.0 (18)




UNITED STATES


Phoenix Zoo - Phoenix, Arizona, United States

0.1 Indu (WILD × WILD) 1965.00.00

Total: 0.1.0 (1)


Little Rock Zoo - Little Rock, Arkansas, United States
0.1 Zina (WILD × WILD) 1961.00.00
0.1 Sophie (WILD × WILD) 1969.00.00
0.1 Babe (WILD × WILD) 1975.00.00

Total: 0.3.0 (3)


Los Angeles Zoo - Los Angeles, California, United States

1.0 Billy (WILD × WILD) 1985.00.00
0.1 Tina (WILD × WILD) 1966.00.00
0.1 Shaunzi (WILD × WILD) 1971.00.00

Total: 1.2.0 (3)


Performing Animal Welfare Society - San Andreas, California, United States

1.0 Prince (Hugo × Me Tu) 1987.05.24
1.0 Nicholas (Tunga × Ronnie) 1993.12.15
0.1 Gypsy (WILD × WILD) 1967.00.00

Total: 2.1.0 (3)


Denver Zoo - Denver, Colorado, United States

1.0 Groucho (WILD × WILD) 1970.00.00
1.0 Bodhi (Coco × Phoebe) 2004.04.16
1.0 Billy (Alexander × Yasmin) 2008.02.17
1.0 Chuck (Rex × Mali) 2008.07.15
1.0 Jake (Rex × Natasha) 2009.11.02
1.0 Duncan (Thailand × Shanti) 2014.02.07

Total: 6.0.0 (6)


Commerford Zoo - Goshen, Connecticut, United States

0.1 Minnie (WILD × WILD) 1972.00.00

Total: 0.1.0 (1)


Smithsonian National Zoo - Washington, District of Columbia, United States

1.0 Spike (Dalip × Seetna) 1981.07.02
0.1 Bozie (WILD × WILD) 1975.00.00
0.1 Kamala (WILD × WILD) 1975.00.00
0.1 Swarna (WILD × WILD) 1975.00.00
0.1 Maharani (Bandara × Kamala) 1990.07.14
0.1 Trong Nhi (Alexander × Douanita) 2003.05.13
0.1 Nhi Linh (Timber × Trong Nhi) 2013.08.10

Total: 1.6.0 (7)

Franzen Brothers Circus - Bushnell, Florida, United States
0.1 Okha (WILD × WILD) 1970.00.00

Total: 0.1.0 (1)


Elephant Walk - Gainesville, Florida, United States

0.1 Essex (WILD × WILD) 1974.00.00

Total: 0.1.0 (1)


Miami Zoo - Miami, Florida, United States

1.0 Ongard (Bong Su × Kulab) 2010.09.10
0.1 Nellie (WILD × WILD) 1969.00.00

Total: 1.1.0 (2)


Myakka Elephant Ranch - Myakka City, Florida, United States

0.1 Carol (WILD × WILD) 1973.00.00
0.1 Patty (WILD × WILD) 1973.00.00

Total: 0.2.0 (2)


Center for Elephant Conservation - Polk City, Florida, United States

1.0 Vance (WILD × WILD) 1963.00.00
1.0 Osgood (Charlie × Emma) 1999.08.16
1.0 Gunther (Charlie × Mala) 2001.11.18
1.0 P.T. (Charlie × Josky) 2002.05.21
1.0 Irvin (Charlie × Alana) 2005.06.01
1.0 Barack (Doc × Bonnie) 2009.01.19
0.1 Aussan (WILD × WILD) 1957.00.00
0.1 Sarah (WILD × WILD) 1957.00.00
0.1 Baby (WILD × WILD) 1961.00.00
0.1 Toby (WILD × WILD) 1961.00.00
0.1 Cora (Thonglaw × Rosy) 1965.12.03
0.1 Mala (WILD × WILD) 1967.00.00
0.1 Sally (WILD × WILD) 1967.00.00
0.1 Asia (WILD × WILD) 1968.00.00
0.1 Emma (WILD × WILD) 1972.00.00
0.1 Alana (WILD × WILD) 1975.00.00
0.1 Bangko (WILD × WILD) 1976.00.00
0.1 Icky (WILD × WILD) 1976.00.00
0.1 Siam (WILD × WILD) 1976.00.00

Total: 6.11.0 (17)


Busch Gardens Tampa Bay - Tampa, Florida, United States

0.1 Simba (WILD × WILD) 1968.00.00
0.1 Tina (WILD × WILD) 1969.00.00
0.1 Rosie (WILD × WILD) 1970.00.00
0.1 Carina (WILD × WILD) 1972.00.00
0.1 Karnaudi (Vance × Carina) 1990.04.13

Total: 0.5.0 (5)


Two Tails Ranch - Williston, Florida, United States

0.1 Roxy (WILD × WILD) 1965.00.00
0.1 Shell (WILD × WILD) 1966.00.00
0.1 Patty (WILD × WILD) 1971.00.00
0.1 Tika (WILD × WILD) 1971.00.00
0.1 Bunny (WILD × WILD) 1972.00.00
0.1 Marie (WILD × WILD) 1973.00.00

Total: 0.6.0 (6)


White Oak Conservation Center - Yulee, Florida, United States

1.0 Casey (WILD × WILD) 1971.00.00
0.1 Tonka (Hugo or Vance × Minyak) 1983.08.23
0.1 Luna (Hugo or Vance × Josky) 1984.01.01
0.1 Juliette (Pete × Icky) 1992.12.30
0.1 Bonnie (Vance × Sid) 1994.10.29
0.1 Kelly Ann (Vance × Sally) 1996.01.01
0.1 Angelica (Charlie × Icky) 1997.06.23
0.1 Sara (Charlie × Icky) 2001.04.16
0.1 Asha (Charlie × Alana) 2002.03.05
0.1 Aree (Charlie × Mala) 2005.04.21
0.1 Mable (Romeo × Shirley) 2006.04.06
0.1 April (Charlie × Alana) 2010.04.03
0.1 Piper (Romeo × Shirley) 2012.08.13
0.1 Masala (Casey x Mable) 2021.08.25
0.1 Tikka (Casey x Aree) 2022.06.14

Total: 1.14.0 (15)


Elephant Refuge North America - Attapulgus, Georgia, United States

1.0 Bo (Vance × Sid) 1987.01.22
0.1 Tarra (WILD × WILD) 1974.00.00

Total: 1.1.0 (2)


Honolulu Zoo - Honolulu, Hawaii, United States

0.1 Mari (UNK × UNK) 1975.00.00
0.1 Vaigai (UNK × UNK) 1985.12.24

Total: 0.2.0 (2)


Topeka Zoo - Topeka, Kansas, United States

0.1 Cora (WILD × WILD) 1958.00.00

Total: 0.1.0 (1)


Louisville Zoo - Louisville, Kentucky, United States

0.1 Punch (WILD × WILD) 1970.00.00

Total: 0.1.0 (1)


Audubon Zoo - New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

0.1 Jean (WILD × WILD) 1972.00.00
0.1 Jothi (WILD × WILD) 1981.00.00
0.1 Surapa (WILD × WILD) 1983.00.00

Total: 0.3.0 (3)


Buttonwood Park Zoo - New Bedford, Massachusetts, United States

0.1 Ruth (WILD × WILD) 1958.00.00
0.1 Emily (WILD × WILD) 1964.00.00

Total: 0.2.0 (2)


Saint Louis Zoo - St. Louis, Missouri, United States

1.0 Raja (Onyx × Pearl) 1992.12.27
0.1 Ellie (WILD × WILD) 1971.00.00
0.1 Pearl (WILD × WILD) 1971.00.00
0.1 Sri (WILD × WILD) 1980.00.00
0.1 Maliha (Raja × Ellie) 2006.08.02
0.1 Jade (Raja × Rani) 2007.02.25
0.1 Priya (Raja × Ellie) 2013.04.26

Total: 1.6.0 (7)


Dickerson Park Zoo - Springfield, Missouri, United States

1.0 Indy (WILD × WILD) 1972.00.00
1.0 Hugo (Tommy × Whimpy) 2011.04.25
0.1 Patience (WILD × WILD) 1974.00.00
0.1 Moola (UNK × UNK) 1981.08.08

Total: 2.2.0 (4)


Carden International Circus - Springfield, Missouri, United States

0.1 Vicky (WILD × WILD) 1961.00.00
0.1 Betty (WILD × WILD) 1969.00.00
0.1 Cindy (WILD × WILD) 1971.00.00
0.1 Janice (WILD × WILD) 1971.00.00

Total: 0.4.0 (4)


Albuquerque Zoo - Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States

1.0 Albert (Calvin × Lilly) 1998.11.29
0.1 Irene (WILD × WILD) 1967.00.00
0.1 Alice (WILD × WILD) 1974.00.00
0.1 Rozana (Ranchipur × Alice) 1992.11.08

Total: 1.3.0 (4)


Bronx Zoo - Bronx, New York, United States

0.1 Patty (WILD × WILD) 1970.00.00
0.1 Happy (WILD × WILD) 1971.00.00

Total: 0.2.0 (2)


Rosamond Gifford Zoo - Syracuse, New York, United States

1.0 Doc (Charlie × Alana) 1997.05.08
1.0 Yaad (Doc × Mali) 2022.10.24
1.0 Tukada (Doc × Mali) 2022.10.24
0.1 Siri (WILD × WILD) 1967.00.00
0.1 Romani (WILD × WILD) 1977.00.00
0.1 Targa (Vance × Birka) 1983.11.23
0.1 Kirina (Indy × Romani) 1995.06.20
0.1 Mali (Indy × Targa) 1997.02.28

Total: 3.5.0 (8)


Cincinnati Zoo - Cincinnati, Ohio, United States

1.0 Kabir (Upali x SheRa) 2017.05.15
1.0 SanJay (Upali x Anak) 2018.02.10
0.1 Mai Thai (WILD × WILD) 1973.00.00
0.1 Schottzie (Chieng Mai × Buag Hah) 1975.12.15
0.1 Jati (WILD × WILD) 1987.00.00
0.1 SheRa ( Ramon x Irma) 1990.11.25
0.1 Anak (Alexander x SheRa) 2003.02.26

Total: 2.5.0 (7)


Columbus Zoo - Powell, Ohio, United States

1.0 Hank (Vance × Mala) 1988.01.16
1.0 Sabu (WILD × WILD) 1988.00.00
1.0 Frankie (Hank × Phoebe) 2021.06.16
0.1 Connie (WILD × WILD) 1973.00.00
0.1 Phoebe (Motek × Warda) 1987.05.15
0.1 Rudy (Charlie × Sally) 2002.01.29
0.1 Sundara (Charlie × Sally) 2008.11.09

Total: 3.4.0 (7)


Carson & Barnes Circus - Hugo, Oklahoma, United States

0.1 Isla (Libby) (WILD × WILD) 1968.00.00
0.1 Kelly (Bunny) (WILD × WILD) 1970.00.00
0.1 Chang (WILD × WILD) 1972.00.00
0.1 Lulu (WILD × WILD) 1975.00.00

Total: 0.4.0 (4)


Endangered Ark Foundation - Hugo, Oklahoma, United States

1.0 Tommy (Vance × Birka) 1992.05.25
1.0 Obert (Buke × Isa) 2003.08.20
1.0 Cameron Lee (Tommy × Whimpy) 2020.08.02
0.1 Suzy (WILD × WILD) 1956.00.00
0.1 Alta (WILD × WILD) 1964.07.11
0.1 Zola (WILD × WILD) 1965.00.00
0.1 Lillie (WILD × WILD) 1967.00.00
0.1 Becky (WILD × WILD) 1969.00.00
0.1 Lisa (WILD × WILD) 1969.00.00
0.1 Margaret (WILD × WILD) 1969.00.00
0.1 Rosie (WILD × WILD) 1969.00.00
0.1 Delrita (WILD × WILD) 1970.00.00
0.1 Traci (WILD × WILD) 1970.00.00
0.1 Whimpy (WILD × WILD) 1970.00.00
0.1 Val (Tommy × Whimpy) 2007.04.27
0.1 Dori Marie (Tommy × Whimpy) 2015.07.28

Total: 3.13.0 (16)


Oklahoma City Zoo - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States

1.0 Rex (WILD × WILD) 1968.00.00
1.0 Kandula (Calvin × Shanthi) 2001.11.25
1.0 Bowie (Samson × Bluebonnet) 2013.08.05
0.1 Asha (Onyx × Connie) 1995.02.02
0.1 Chandra (Onyx × Moola) 1996.07.02
0.1 Achara (Rex × Asha) 2014.12.22
0.1 Kairavi (Rex × Asha) 2018.10.09
0.1 Rama (Rex × Asha) 2022.01.20

Total: 3.5.0 (8)


Tulsa Zoo - Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States

1.0 Sneezy (WILD × WILD) 1971.00.00
0.1 Booper (WILD × WILD) 1972.00.00
0.1 Sooky (WILD × WILD) 1972.00.00

Total: 1.2.0 (3)


Oregon Zoo - Portland, Oregon, United States

1.0 Samson (Calvin × Kitty) 1998.05.04
1.0 Samudra (Tusko × Rose Tu) 2008.08.23
0.1 Sung Surin (Packy × Pet) 1982.12.26
0.1 Chendra (WILD × WILD) 1993.00.00
0.1 Rose Tu (Hugo × Me Tu) 1994.08.31

Total: 2.3.0 (5)


The Elephant Sanctuary - Hohenwald, Tennessee, United States

0.1 Billie (WILD × WILD) 1962.00.00
0.1 Minnie (WILD × WILD) 1966.00.00
0.1 Ronnie (WILD × WILD) 1966.00.00
0.1 Sissy (WILD × WILD) 1968.00.00
0.1 Debbie (WILD × WILD) 1971.00.00

Total: 0.5.0 (5)


El Paso Zoo - El Paso, Texas, United States

0.1 Savannah (WILD × WILD) 1952.00.00

Total: 0.1.0 (1)


Fort Worth Zoo - Fort Worth, Texas, United States

1.0 Colonel (Buke × Whimpy) 1991.04.04
1.0 Romeo (Pete × Alana) 1993.01.10
1.0 Brazos (Romeo × Bluebonnet) 2021.10.21
1.0 Travis (Romeo x Belle) 2023.02.23
0.1 Rasha (WILD × WILD) 1973.00.00
0.1 Angel (Vance × Sally) 1988.12.30
0.1 Bluebonnet (Groucho × Rasha) 1998.12.16
0.1 Belle (Groucho × Rasha) 2013.07.07

Total: 4.4.0 (8)


Hill Country Elephant Preserve - Fredericksburg, Texas, United States

0.1 Kitty (WILD × WILD) 1966.00.00
0.1 Rosie (WILD × WILD) 1984.00.00
0.1 Becky (WILD × WILD) 1987.00.00

Total: 0.3.0 (3)


Houston Zoo - Houston, Texas, United States

1.0 Thailand (WILD × WILD) 1965.00.00
1.0 Tucker (Tusko × Tess) 2005.05.12
1.0 Baylor (Thailand × Shanti) 2010.05.04
1.0 Nelson (Thailand × Shanti) 2020.05.12
1.0 Teddy (Thailand × Tess) 2021.05.16
0.1 Methai (WILD × WILD) 1969.00.00
0.1 Tess (WILD × WILD) 1983.00.00
0.1 Shanti (Onyx × Bozie) 1990.10.11
0.1 Tupelo (Thailand × Tess) 2010.10.03
0.1 Joy (Thailand × Shanti) 2017.07.12
0.1 Tilly (Thailand × Tess) 2018.06.17
0.1 Winnie (Bodhi × Tupelo) 2021.03.10

Total: 5.7.0 (12)


Point Defiance Zoo - Tacoma, Washington, United States

0.1 Suki (WILD × WILD) 1964.00.00

Total: 0.1.0 (1)


Circus World Museum - Baraboo, Wisconsin, United States (Closing and Transferring Remaining Cows)

0.1 Viola (WILD × WILD) 1966.00.00
0.1 Isa (WILD × WILD) 1970.00.00

Total: 0.2.0 (2)

Link to the 2023 thread: North American Asian Elephant Population 2023

 

I'm desperately curious here: How many bulls are behavioral non-breeders? What are their names?

 

Anyone correct me if I’m wrong, but currently it’s just Hank at Columbus. All other places who have a breeding herd have bulls that have sired calves naturally. The only other male I can think of would be Colonel at Fort Worth but I was under the impression he has mounted the females just never go the deed done.

 

Hmm... interesting! I wonder if the African elephant population has more problems with behavioral non-breeders then.

 

Just curious as to why some are in red? Thanks!! Appreciate the list!

 

Pretty sure that means the exact status of those elephants isn't known at this time.

 

Thank you!!

 

0.1 Aussan at Center for Elephant Conservation passed away in February 2023.

 

Do you have a source for that?

 

Yes I have one for you right here.
Aussan (Assam) at Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Center for Elephant Conservation in United States - Elephant Encyclopedia and Database

 

According to APHIS reports from August 2023 Zerbini currently has 4 Asian Elephant at her Florida location and another two at Tarzan's property in Web City, Missouri. Unsure which elephants are at each location though.

 

There are currently 5 elephants at Two Tails, none are at Joplin

 

Do you know which 5?

 

Marie, Schell, Patti, Tika (Asian) and Asha (African)

 

• 0.1 Mala at the Center for Elephant Conservation passed away on November 15, 2013
• 0.1 Sarah at the Center for Elephant Conservation passed away on January 25, 2021
• 0.1 Toby at the Center for Elephant Conservation passed away on March 29, 2021

Also what happened to 0.1 Shirley at the Center for Elephant Conservation? Was there ever confirmation of her death?

 

The Elephant Database (elephant.se) claimed that Shirley died sometime after 2016 of unknown reasons. However I have noticed a few inaccuracies throughout the website so I am unsure how accurate the information may be.

 

I find the same issue. Which is why I try to stay clear of it out of personal preference.

 

0.1 Viola and 0.1 Isa moved from the Circus World Museum to Endangered Ark Foundation in early 2023, where Viola has since passed away.

 

Do you have a source for it? An employee of the Circus World Museum just posted a video of Viola and Isa last week on his Instagram page but if could have been a repost however.

 

L.A. Zoo Mourns Death of 53-Year-Old Elephant Shaunzi - MyNewsLA.com

Shaunzi at the Los Angeles Zoo has died