Article on World Tapir Day featuring their male Brazilian tapir, Arturo: World Tapir Day | Zoos Victoria
A female calf was born yesterday, but has a congenital condition preventing her from standing. Story here: Asian Elephant Calf Birth | Zoos Victoria
Upon researching about congenital carpal flexure it appears that it can be successfully treated in puppies (although an elephant is just a tad different to a puppy!) so hoping the all goes well and the vets work their magic .
Num-Oi’s newborn elephant fighting for life at Melbourne Zoo No Cookies | Herald Sun A NEWBORN elephant is receiving critical care after being born with a congenital condition at Melbourne zoo yesterday. The rare condition prevents the baby calf from standing which means the newborn has been unable to feed from its mother, Num-Oi since its birth on Wednesday morning. Keepers and vets have resorted to bottle feeding the Asian elephant while specialists splinted both its front legs in an effort to correct the problem. Judith Henke, a spokeswoman for the zoo said that keepers were doing everything possible for the calf and Num-Oi’s welfare. “Caring for the calf is a huge challenge, with a variety of potential problems,” Ms Henke said. “As this is such a rare condition, the situation has the potential to change at any time,” she said. A statement released by the zoo this afternoon said the elephant’s fate was uncertain, but staff remained optimistic. In 2013, one of the zoo’s most popular animals, 11 month old elephant Sanook, died after becoming entangled in an inflatable tyre, prompting an outpouring of grief from the public and zoo staff.
The zoo has released a video of the head vet talking about the calf, its condition and prognosis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H73gPJgGs0k
I saw a T.V. documentary on wild African Elephants a few years back where a calf was born in a herd and appeared to have this same condition- it could not stand at all, but managed to do so of its own accord after about three days. I believe it survived.
An update on the calf has been released. There have been no photos of the calf released. Story here: Asian Elephant Calf Update | Zoos Victoria
I'm guessing since there was initially difficulty in milking Num-Oi, that the calf didn't receive colustrum which probably isn't helping it's cause. Nobody has mentioned so far the significance of this calf being a female, especially since it was conceived through AI, which usually produces male calves. Dokoon has a 2.5 year old calf, is he fully weaned or is Dokoon still lactating and in a position to be milked?
And not only that, but both both parents, Putra Mas and Num-Oi, are completely un-represented in the population! Hopefully all will work out for the little calve and she can return to her mother shortly.
Melbourne Zoo have been really good at answering everyone's questions on Facebook. They were discussing the interaction/lack of interaction the calf has had with the herd as being due to their protected contact policy. Any treatment the calf receives therefore requires it's separation from Num-Oi. They said Num-Oi is able to see the calf, and Kulab is being kept with Num-Oi for company. From what I've heard, Kulab is the adult female Num-Oi is closest with in the herd. Really hoping for a successful outcome for Num-Oi's calf. It's birth seems to have provoked surprisingly little attention on these forums, but it's clear from Facebook that there's a lot of support from people. I wish Num-Oi, her calf and the team the best of luck.
I think in the video I posted above, the vet said that the mother was successfully milked on day one, but not day two, so the calf should have received some colustrum. When they couldn't milk her, another calf suckled to relieve pressure. Sounds like they are now managing to milk her somewhat as the articles state the calf is getting a mix of mother and formula milk.
That's good to know the calf would have had some colostrum to help fight infections. It must be a very confusing and distressing experience for Num-Oi. I'm not saying the zoo should revalutate their position on protected contact with the elephants but in this case, being able to go in with Num-Oi would allow her to remain with the calf, like **** Tip was with Pathi Harn in 2010. It's good Perth Zoo are able to feel involved with this birth, having a non breeding herd and missing out on the excitement of the previous births in our region. They've been posting updates on their Facebook page too.
Seems like progress with the calf's legs has been minimal, and complications from limited mother's milk are developing. Updates are posted ~daily here: Asian Elephant Calf Update | Zoos Victoria
The elephant calf is still in a critical condition, although her front right leg is no longer being put in a cast, with just the left leg posing problems. However, there are significant issues with feeding, and these now seem to be the main issue. Update here: Asian Elephant Calf Update | Zoos Victoria
Today's update on the calf, with casts to be placed on both front legs again. Updates here: Asian Elephant Calf Update | Zoos Victoria
