Latest news with #AfricanElephantSpeciesSurvivalPlan
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Sedgwick County Zoo welcomes third baby elephant
The video above aired on April 22, 2025. WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – The Sedgwick County Zoo welcomed its third baby elephant this week. The African elephant calf was born early Tuesday morning to mother Arusi after 651 days of gestation. The average gestation period for an elephant is 18-22 months. The zoo has not yet confirmed the calf's gender. 'We are thrilled to welcome a third healthy calf,' said Katie Muninger, elephant manager at Sedgwick County Zoo. 'Three calves and three first-time moms have us all on our toes, but we're learning so much about the herd's social structure and each individual personality as we all settle into the new dynamic.' The new calf joins Bomani, born April 10, and Kijani, born April 14. The zoo says Bomani is already excited and curious about his new herdmate. 'Bomani, along with mom Talia and Simunye were present for the birth and have been a supportive presence for Arusi,' the zoo said in a news release. 'Kijani, his mother Xolani, and other herd members have had the opportunity to see the new arrival, but they are not together in the same space at this time.' Meet Chili: Lee Richardson Zoo welcomes giant anteater In April 2024, the SCZ announced that five elephants were pregnant after introducing Callee, a new male, to the herd in May 2023. While paternity tests take time, the zoo says there's a good chance all three calves share the same father and are half-siblings. 'In alignment with breeding recommendations from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums African Elephant Species Survival Plan, these additions to SCZ's herd are a reflection of the Zoo's commitment to support the health and sustainability of African elephant populations in North America,' the zoo said in the news release. Scott Newland, the zoo's president and CEO, previously said that if the pregnancies were successful, not only would they be the first elephants ever born in Kansas, but they would be the first zoo to have five African elephant births in a single year. Unfortunately, one of the pregnancies ended in a stillbirth in March. Visitors can expect to see at least one calf in the outdoor habitat daily, weather permitting. The zoo plans to release the name and gender of the calf live at 9 a.m. on the Today Show. For more information about the SCZ, visit their website or follow the zoo on Facebook. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Sedgwick County Zoo elephant now at home in Atlanta
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – Titan, one of the Sedgwick County Zoo's longtime elephants, is now at home at Zoo Atlanta. According to Zoo Atlanta, he arrived today. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums' African Elephant Species Survival Plan recommended that he move to a new herd, which mirrors what adult male elephants do in the wild. Titan's mother, Simunye, will remain at Sedgwick County Zoo. They both arrived in Kansas in 2016 after being rescued from drought-stricken Eswatini. Zoo Atlanta says Titan will be a valuable social companion among the elephant group, which includes adult male Msholo and adult females Kelly and Tara, both now considered post-reproductive. While Sedgwick County Zoo prepares for 5 new elephants, 1 is leaving 'We are very excited to welcome Titan to the elephant herd at Zoo Atlanta, where he will benefit from the daily stewardship of a world-class Elephant Care Team and an environment that represents the most significant transformation in Zoo Atlanta history,' said Raymond B. King, President and CEO. 'Our hope is that in getting to know Titan as he becomes a new part of the herd here at the Zoo, our Members and guests will have renewed reasons to join us in protecting African elephants, which have a very uncertain future without conservation action.' Titan will spend the next several weeks acclimating before he will be visible to members and guests of the zoo. Meanwhile, the Sedgwick County Zoo is preparing for the birth of five elephants and shared video of Arusi's growing calf and heartbeat. The Zoo says they won't know if Titan was the father of any of the calves until after they are born. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
