The national zoo of South Africa in Pretoria, is claiming a first zoo birth of an elephant on the whole continent of Africa. The zoo welcomed the birth of an African savannah elephant, on the 21 March. The female baby elephant was conceived by mother, Pumbi, at the zoo two years ago. When the baby was born it was small and having trouble reaching its mother to suckle and so staff at the zoo intervened when the young elephant became weak after trying to suckle without success. After bottle feeding and lots of care and attention she is now doing very well and being kept next to her mother and the rest of the herd so the calf and mum can stay in contact. It is hoped to start slowly re-introducing her back with her mother over the coming few weeks until she is fully integrated into the herd once more. An African Savannah Elephant Birth at the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa Zoo and Aquarium Visitor News
Well, at least the zoos at Abijan (L. cyclotis) and Algiers (E.maximus) have bred elephants in Africa before. Good news from Pretoria anyway !
Which, according to my records, I think is not correct: The bull Jumbo in Johannesburg Zoo has sired at least 5 babies, from 1979-1991, and he sired a baby, (with his daughter!!) which was born 1991. 2006-01-17 Ashanti, now at Knysna elephant park (not really a zoo, but almost, with 5 births), was born in Bloemfontein Zoo, SA. Outside South Africa, The Abidjan Zoo in Ivory coast had 2 births of forest elephant (L. cyclotis) between 1988 and 1992. And there may be more, Douanita can probably add some more Zoo birth places. Still, all congratulations to them!
Well thats interesting, I have no records at all from Alger! Can you give more details here, or (question to admin) would it be more correct to discuss ona thread reg Algiers Zoo?
According to the EEG, Algiers did not only successfully breed E.m. (1996 & 2001), but also L.a. (1997 & 2001)! Abidjan bred L.cyclotis twice (successful in 1992). This calf (0.1 "Can) is still alive today and the only elephant left at that zoo which is in a desperate state. Apperently, attempts to relocate here to a better place have failed so far.
The female "Pumbi" has also died, aged 27 http://www.timeslive.co.za/local/2012/04/04/pretoria-zoo-elephant-pumbi-dies
