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RussianiZoofari Chat: Baby Elephant Update
Posted at 1:30 pm November 12, 2007 by Dennis Corbran
Wild Animal Park elephant keeper Curtis Lehman gives us an update on the four (soon-to-be five!) elephant calves at the Wild Animal Park. Hosted by Debbie Andreen. (12:51)
Watch the elephants daily on Elephant Cam!
NEW! iZoofari Chats are an occasional series of interviews that put you in touch with the people who work for the Zoo and Wild Animal Park. Current subscribers to either the Zoo or Wild Animal Park podcast feeds will also get the iZoofari Chats.
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November 12th, 2007 at 4:11 pm
Thanks to Curtis Lehman for the updates on the elephants. It is good to hear that Kamile got integreted very well with the rest of the group. Great description on what was going on at the elephant exhibit. It would be nice to have more videos on the calves on the park website. I am anxious to hear about Lungile first calf. Thanks for all your work.
November 16th, 2007 at 4:57 pm
Great interview!! Was their last Friday and it was gea to see so much interaction betwen the family.
November 16th, 2007 at 8:00 pm
Thanks, Debbie and Curtis, for the great discussion of the 4 calves. It sounds like they are having a fabulous time together. It is nice respite for the moms when they play by themselves.
Looking forward to seeing Lungile when she has her first calf. Hopefully she will be more accepted by Swazi and the other females. How much younger is she than the other females? You mentioned that she is a sub-adult.
November 17th, 2007 at 8:46 am
What are the future plans for Moose and Punga? Bulls do not generally live with females.
November 20th, 2007 at 10:48 pm
Thanks Curtis & Debbie for another great interview. The love Curtis has for the elephants in his care is apparent. It’s amazing that such a mammoth animal will take a new born under her (trunk) care. So a newborn has many aunties & even the males are gentle (Too bad the human world doesn’t take notice) We were fortunate to visit your park in 2006 - it’s amazing what you have done - many, many thanks- especially for your work in saving some endangered spieces. We are thankful that the horrific wild fires didn’t cause any more damage & grateful to the staff for all their hard work to save the animals. It wasn’t until after the fact that we found out what a time the staff fighting the the fires. So thanks again.
Maureen
November 21st, 2007 at 9:26 pm
#5 Maureen, I am glad you mentioned about this in the Panda blog, so I can comment it here. I always found elephants gentle, sweet and majestic. And they are vegetarians too! Beautiful animals ! I always like them. Thank you Curtis for giving the love and care these magnificent animals deserve.
November 22nd, 2007 at 12:13 am
OMG!!! It’s fabulous to listen to elephant stories. It is incredible to find that their social dynamics are very much like ours. My daughter and i appreciate the wonderful podcast. I’m looking forward to the next.
December 14th, 2007 at 7:51 am
Help! For days all I have been getting is a white screen on the Elephant Cam. Tomorrow is snow day and I don’t want to miss it. Is it just me or are there problems with the cam?
Moderator’s note: Elephant cam is working. We sometimes have momentary drops in the feed because of its remote location, but it usually comes right back.
December 14th, 2007 at 2:54 pm
I am having the same problem. I have yet to see the new baby. I live on the East Coast and I know hours are different, but the for me, the cam has rarely worked since the new arrival and when it did, all that was shown was empty areas. Would it be possible to post the new baby’s picture with the others? On the bright side, the interview with Curtis and Debbie was really great. There can be no doubt how he feels about his elephants and he paints wonderful mind pictures! I hope you will have many more, and frequently! In the meantime, I will keep trying. Although, you should know that in the last 3 days I have had my computer running and on the cam site. One time it actually had a picture and that was only the folks cleaning and preparing for the elephants. Important, but not baby elephants, or even their moms and “aunties!” I too, was excited about a snow day. With elephants? Wow, what a sight! Well, one can only hope!
Moderator’s note: Sadly, our Elephant Cam experienced a glitch over the weekend and we are still working to resolve it. We do have photos of the newest elephant baby in our Baby Elephant photo gallery at http://www.sandiegozoo.org/news/gallery_baby-elephant.html
Her photos are at the very end of the slide show. Enjoy!
December 16th, 2007 at 2:27 pm
Dear Moderator,
I was unable to see snow day with the elephant as the webcam does not seem to be working. Will we have a chance to see pictures or a video posted on the zoo website.
I am sure the elephants had a lot of fun.
Moderator’s note: No video was taken on snow day, unfortunately.
December 19th, 2007 at 2:21 pm
Happy Holidays to all the Zoo and Wild Animal Park Staff. You truly do amazing work.
Having grown up in San Diego and visiting the Zoo for over 50 years and being a Zoo member for over 25 years I just love watching our own herd of elephants grow and thrive. I have seen the expansion at the Zoo for the new elephant exhibit. Are there plans in the future at the Wild Animal Park for expansion of their area? Our elephant family is growing so fast. Do they truly have enough room to roam?
Just a note - You need to have another “snow day” and capture their reactions on tape. It was fabulous!!!
Moderator’s note: Thank you for the holiday wishes, Alice! We’d like to expand our elephant facility at the Wild Animal Park some day, but first we must finish the Zoo’s new Elephant Odyssey habitat.
December 25th, 2007 at 9:01 am
Where is the newest and 5th calf born in Nov? I want to see photos. Thanks, Cathy
Moderator’s note: Cathy, see comment #9 above for photo info.
December 26th, 2007 at 10:06 pm
Love hearing about the baby elephants. What is the newest elephants name?
Moderator’s note: The baby has not been named yet. We’ll post her name and a brief bio on Elephant Cam http://www.sandiegozoo.org/wap/ex_elephants.html when it is announced.
December 29th, 2007 at 11:55 am
I just read that the new calf is being bottle fed by keepers. I was just wondering if the calf could nurse from another female elephant? I know that Khosi sometimes nurse from Moya. How is the new female calf doing at this point?
December 31st, 2007 at 5:26 pm
I am concerned about the new calf. I guess. although Khosi’s greed was cute, the little one has suffered. I am so sorry! I wish all of you the best in trying to return her to optimum health. You must all feel sick at heart and my thoughts and prayers are with you as you give it your best, as I know you will! Please keep your sideline cheering section informed!
December 31st, 2007 at 5:35 pm
I have been trying to see the Elephants on the Cam for about 4 days now. Glitch still ? I make due with the baby pics for now but am dying to see them on the Cam soon. I am homebound and it’s my only chance to see the animals so when the Cam is malfunctioning it reeeaally is hard on me. Love those babies!!!
January 1st, 2008 at 9:24 am
I hardly ever get the elephant cam to come on. I can get the panda and the apes just fine but the elephant pic stays white with the cam zone logo and rarely (only twice for about 2 minutes) comes in on the elephant site. Is there something I can do to remedy this? I love watching elephants and would really love to see them at this site. I have reverted to watching other sites that are not as good as this one. Please help me!
Thanks!!
January 6th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
Hello, I would like to know if there is a update on SZ newest little elephant and how she is responding to her bottle feedings. Also if there is any thing to report on her Mom and why she was unable to supply her baby with enough milk. I have been very disapointed that I have not been able to view the live elephant cam for many weeks now. Polar Bear cam is not working eigther. i do not know whats going on do you? the giant panda and the ape cams are working great. I do hope our little girl is doing well and that the cams will be up and running again soon. Thanks for all the work you do with the elephants.
Gigi in Tuolumne, Ca.
January 6th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
Moderator,
Would it be possible to get an update on Lungile and her calf? I hope the baby is doing better.
From our Public Relations Department: Animal care staff at the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park are continuing 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 are in constant contact with staff at these organizations.
Staff members are hopeful that Lungile will fully recover and take over care of the youngster.
January 8th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
Thank you for the update.
January 9th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
Failure to thrive for any infant and for whatever reasons is not a happy diagnosis. I have searched AZA and have been forced to realize and accept, that there are many losses of new born calves, for whatever reason. I can only hope that you guys can bail this one out. She’s a beautiful little girl, and her mom is unique. My heart is with you. Thank you for your tireless efforts, and I will be watching daily for news of their progress. As a critical care nurse, I work with people. How much more challenging is your effort to accomplish the same standards with an animal infant and mom. Please keep us posted. All of us really care, and all of us have you in our thoughts and prayers, and to all of us, the outcome really matters!
January 15th, 2008 at 9:12 am
I was so sorry to read the sad update today. Please know that Lungile and her adorable baby are in our prayers at this time.
I will say a special prayer to my favorite saint (St. Francis) and ask him to help Lungile and her baby at this critical time.
Many thanks to all the staff, vets, and carekeepers who are taking such great care of these magnificent creatures.
January 15th, 2008 at 11:33 am
I am concerned about Lungile and her beautiful baby. I really hope they are feeling better. Thank you for taking good care of them.
My heart is with you.
Seiko
January 16th, 2008 at 11:28 am
I would like to give my support to the zoo staff who are taking care of Lungile’s calf. My prayers will be with you. Moderator, I was wondering if Lungile is ‘upset’ about being separated from her calf. How is Lungile doing?
January 17th, 2008 at 2:43 am
I visited the Park soon after Vus’musi was born and from talking to one of your keepers, I became hooked. I look every day for updates on the new calf and Lungile and echo the sentiments of hope and prayers for their speedy recovery. Is she now completely separated from her mother? Elephants are wonderful, intelligent animals with very distinct personalities. You rescued them once from Swaziland; here’s hoping you can do it again! Thanks for all your efforts. - Moose Lover
Moderator’s note: We’ve posted an update on the baby in the Elephant News section http://www.sandiegozoo.org/news/elephant_news.html
To all of you who have expressed your concern for the little one, we thank you. Our staff is doing their very best to care for her. Keep sending positive thoughts her way!
January 18th, 2008 at 11:58 am
Lungile and her baby are in my daily prayers. Please know that we are thankful for all the loving care given by the dedicated staff especially at this time.
Since the birth of Moose, when we visit the Animal Park, the Elephant Exhibit is always our first stop. All the keepers are very kind and friendly — they truly love all the elephants in their care and it shows.
We also enjoyed watching the elephants in the pool this past summer. What fun — they looked like a group of children playing in the water, dunking one another and splashing.
January 20th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
im comeing in march id really like to see the baby elephants
January 21st, 2008 at 9:59 am
Thank you for your Jan 17 update. I am praying for Lungile and her calf. I worried about them all weekend. Please post another update. L
January 21st, 2008 at 4:11 pm
Thanks for your update. If caring and prayers can win for both Lungile and her beautiful little girl, you guys certainly have that support. For all their caretakers, this must be an incredibly tense time, flavored with exhaustion and joy for each minute step forward. All of you need our thanks. How hard this must be for you! I keep reminding myself that that the instinct for recovery and life is a strong force in every living creature, and I have seen so many miracles over the years. I can only hope for one now! To each of you, my heartfelt support, and to each of you who are pouring every part of your being into their survival, may you be granted strength knowing you are giving it your best, and also knowing that there are many of us who recognize your efforts and care about you.
Moderator’s note: Thank you all for your interest in this youngster. The baby’s condition continues to be guarded and she is receiving round-the-clock care. We will share your thoughts and support with the animal care staff who are working so hard to care for her.
February 2nd, 2008 at 4:34 pm
I hate to be the one always begging for more, but it has been 10 days…… Can you tell us about Lungile and her baby? On the 23, it sounded like slight progress for the baby, but what about Lungile? You have been very reticent about her. I know you have addressed “complications of pregancy and delivery,” but is she improving? Will she be able to look after her little girl eventually, if she accepts her? And has the baby’s weight gain continued or is it stll a failure to trive situation? And again, your staff have all my respect, admiration and best wishes! And, thank you!
February 4th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
Moderator,
Could we have an update on Lungile and her calf? Has the baby gained more weight? Is Lungile able to nurse her calf?
Thanks
Moderator’s note: Sadly, the calf did not survive. A blog is posted about the little one and you may leave a comment for the elephant staff if you’d like at http://www.sandiegozoo.org/wordpress/default/sad-news-elephant-calf/
February 5th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
God bless the staff and the baby elephtant. My heartfelt condolences to everyone.
February 5th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
I am so sorry for your loss. You and your staff have worked so hard for the little baby elephant. PLease let your staff know of my thoughts and prayers for all of you.
Moderator’s note: Thank you, everyone. We will pass on your kind words to our animal care staff.
February 5th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
Dear Wild Animal Park elephant keeper and staff ,
I am very sad to hear that the beautiful baby has passed away. I feel I lost a very close member of our family.
My thoughts and prayers go out to you…
Most Sincerely,
Seiko Davis
February 6th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Wild Animal Park Elephant Keepers and Staff,
I am so very sad to hear about that beautiful baby has passed away. I so enjoyed watching all the babies growing up and getting big. It had to be a very hard decision for the staff to make to euthanize her.
Please give all staff my heartfelt condolences.
My thoughts and prayers,
Sandy Padzik
February 8th, 2008 at 11:23 am
Moderator,
Would it be possible to find out how Lungile is doing? How is he reacting to the death of her calf? How is the rest of the herd reacting to this loss? I want to say again, thank you to all the staff who took care of the calf(Baby) and take care of yourselves.
Moderator’s note: Thank you for your kind words. We hope to post an update on Lungile within the next day or so.
February 13th, 2008 at 11:40 am
It was such a delight to see the elephant’s pool being filled up over the sunny weekend. Seeing all of them out and how they were reacting with tails and ears up. And when they finally went in and one was stretching its trunk to one of their keepers. I bet the baby was sitting with the keepers smiling at all the play. I hope they are all doing okay. Love the elephants.
February 26th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
I am happy to hear that Lungile will make a full recovery. Thanks for the update.
March 25th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
Hi,
How is Lungile & all the calves doing? Any new updates or pictures coming our way? Thx very much,
Moderator’s note: We hope to have an elephant update posted in our blog section soon. We will post new images as they become available.
April 10th, 2008 at 7:48 am
i love elephants they are soooo cute don’t you think!!!!!!