| About
African elephants [more
info] |
| •
African or Asian? [more info] |
| •
Anatomy of an African elephant [more
info] |
| Elephant
Conservation [more
info] |
| •
What is causing the dramatic decline in the African elephant's
range? [more info] |
| •
Is captive breeding the solution? [more
info] |
| •
What can you do to save the elephants [more
info] |
| Breeding
[more info] |
| •
African elephant breeding basics [more
info] |
| •
Risk reduction [more info] |
| •
One giant step toward breeding success at The Toledo Zoo [more
info] |
Many
Milestones Ahead
There are numerous obstacles to overcome and many milestones to
be reached for an elephant mother and her calf. They include:
| • |
1st
trimester |
| • |
Birth |
| • |
Introduction
of calf to mother |
| • |
1st
24 hours |
| • |
Bonding |
| • |
Nursing |
| • |
Introduction
of calf to herdmates |
| • |
Past
1-year mark |
| • |
Weaning
at around age 2 |
Approximately
50% of captive-born African elephant calves die before they reach
age one due to stillbirth, weakness, disease, or maternal rejection
or attack.
 Keeping
'em Fit and Trim
To get them in excellent physical condition for giving birth,
both Rafiki and Renee were put on special nutrition and
exercise programs prior to conception. Their daily
diet currently consists of approximately 65 pounds of hay each,
12 pounds of pellets, apples, carrots and browse (mulberry branches).
For
exercise, the elephants are walked for 30 minutes 2-3 times daily.
We've also provided them with a mud wallow and a mister so they
can benefit from the exercise of wallowing, digging and dusting
themselves. In addition, we've installed a hay net in the elephants'
indoor exhibit so that they get even more exercise when reaching
and stretching for the hay. Regular exercise helps the elephants
to maintain a healthy weight, relaxes them and reduces stress. Exercise
also builds their abdominal muscles to aid in a successful delivery.
|
