Elephant News

February 25, 2008

Veterinarians and animal care staff are optimistic that Lungile, the African elephant that was being treated for a postpartum infection, will make a full recovery. The 17-year-old female was being treated for a uterine infection, but her treatment is expected to be concluded next week. Lungile’s appetite has improved and her weight has increased, indicating positive steps in her recovery. Lungile is spending time with other members of the herd and is behaving normally.

February 5, 2008

We regret to announce that the baby elephant born to Lungile at the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park on November 28 has passed away despite the efforts of animal care staff to save her.

Animal care staff at the Wild Animal Park began bottle feeding the youngster on December 24 after it became apparent that enough milk was not being provided by the mother due to the mother’s own health problems. The calf did not transition well from mother's milk to formula and developed secondary complications from malnourishment. The baby was placed under veterinary care, had caretakers with her 24 hours a day, and was receiving supportive care including intravenous fluids and nutrition. Unfortunately, all of these measures were not enough to sustain the youngster’s life and yesterday, February 4, veterinary and animal care staff made the difficult decision to euthanize her.

The baby’s mother, Lungile, who had challenges associated with the youngster’s birth, continues to be under veterinary care. There have been five elephant calves born to the herd at the Wild Animal Park since they arrived in 2003. The four previous elephant births occurred without complications and all mothers have shown normal maternal behavior and interest in their youngsters.

Animal care staff have worked tirelessly in their efforts to save this youngster. The loss of this youngster is heartbreaking for all of us.

Update: January 23, 2008

The female African elephant calf born to Lungile November 28, 2007, continues to receive 24-hour keeper and veterinary care. Although the calf has had a significant weight gain over the past five days and has been consuming formula for three days, her condition is still considered guarded.

When she was born, the calf weighed 192 pounds (87 kilograms). Unfortunately, she was not receiving adequate nutrition from her mother (who had health challenges associated with the birth), causing the calf’s weight to drop to 170 pounds (77 kilograms). She now weighs 205 pounds (93 kilograms), but continues to receive her nutrients through intravenous delivery and bottle feedings.

Lungile also continues to be under veterinary care due to complications related to the birth of the calf. Keepers have been spending their energy on caring for mother and daughter and therefore have not yet had an opportunity to discuss a name for the two-month-old calf.

Update: January 17, 2008

The baby elephant born to Lungile on November 28, 2007, has had some significant health challenges over the past few days. In order to address her worsening condition, she was moved to the Wild Animal Park’s Harter Veterinary Medical Center where she received round-the-clock care from animal care and veterinary staff. On Janaury 15 she began to show small signs of improvement. She is currently back home at the African elephant barn. Her condition is still considered to be guarded and she will continue to receive 24-hour keeper and veterinary care.

An ongoing concern for animal care staff is the fact that the youngster is two months old and is not gaining weight. When she was born, the calf weighed 192 pounds (87 kilograms). Unfortunately, she was not receiving adequate nutrition from her mother (who has had health challenges associated with the birth). Over the last few days the calf’s weight dropped to 170 pounds (77 kilograms). Her condition has improved and her weight has risen to 180 pounds (81.5 kilograms). Animal care and veterinary staff are addressing this malnutrition through intravenous delivery of nutrients and regular bottle feedings.

There have been five elephant calves born to the herd at the Wild Animal Park since they arrived in 2003. The four previous elephant births occurred without complications and all mothers have shown normal maternal behavior and interest in their youngsters. The calf’s mother, Lungile, continues to be under veterinary care due to complications related to the birth of the calf.

Update: January 14, 2008

The baby elephant born at the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park on November 28 to Lungile continues to have health challenges associated with poor nutrition. Animal care staff at the Wild Animal Park began bottle feeding the youngster on December 26 after it became apparent that not enough milk was being provided by the mother to the calf. The malnutrition which occurred at an early time in the baby’s life continues to be a health challenge for the youngster who is not consistently gaining weight at this time. The baby is under veterinary care, has caretakers with her 24 hours a day, and is being given intravenous fluids on a constant basis.

Although most of her day is spent in the elephant barn where staff members can closely monitor her, guests may see the baby when she is brought into a side yard for sunshine, limited exercise, and fresh air. We ask that guests to be mindful of the youngster’s condition and not interrupt her caretakers with questions during the times the baby is in the outside yard.

Update: January 8, 2008

Animal care staff at the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park continues to bottle-feed the youngster while her mother, Lungile, recovers from complications resulting from the pregnancy and birth of the calf. The calf has lost weight but is expected to gain as nursing increases. The baby continues to have some contact with both the mother and other elephants in the herd. Lungile remains under veterinary care and is being monitored closely. The elephant calf is not currently available for public viewing.

Elephant calves have been successfully hand-reared in the past at other facilities and the staff at the Wild Animal Park is in constant contact with staff at these organizations. Staff members are hopeful that Lungile will fully recover and take over care of the youngster.

Update: December 28, 2007

Animal care staff at the Wild Animal Park is stepping in to bottle-feed a newborn elephant calf whose mother does not appear to be producing enough milk to properly nurture her calf.

Keepers recently noticed the female calf, born November 28, 2007, losing weight, body condition, and vitality. Although she appeared to be nursing properly and regularly from her mother, Lungile, the calf was not gaining weight as she should be. Animal Care staff needed to act quickly to ensure the calf’s survival.

On December 24, 2007, the calf was successfully isolated and keepers began training her to nurse from a bottle. By December 25 the calf drank 3,000 milliliters (101 ounces) of milk formula. The next day, the calf drank more than 6,000 milliliters (202 ounces). Her health condition appears to be improving.

Optimally, at her current weight the calf should be receiving approximately 10,000 milliliters (338 ounces) of milk daily. The ultimate goal for animal care staff is to return the calf to her mother for care and nurturing while the keepers supplement the calf’s natural nursing with daily bottle-feeding to ensure she receives the proper percentage of necessary milk and nutrients. However, the calf will currently remain under full-time keeper care until her health has significantly improved.

Lungile has been monitored since she gave birth and remains under daily veterinary observation to ensure her health stays optimal. Animal care and veterinary staff are unsure why she is not producing enough milk to sustain her calf.