Vus’musi, the first-born calf of the Safari Park’s herd, recently moved to the Fresno Chaffee Zoo. Affectionately known as “Moose” or “’Musi,” he holds a special place in the hearts of many members, blog readers, and Elephant Cam viewers, so we wanted to share the inside story of his “big adventure.” Click to read Part 1 and Part 2.
Since Fresno’s climate is similar to San Diego’s and they’re just up the road, so to speak, having ’Musi go there on loan was a logical choice, especially if we’d like to have him return someday. (Can you picture Umngani’s reaction if that were to happen? Noooooooooo!)
Waiting for our arrival was the entire elephant care staff of the Fresno Chaffee Zoo. We all stood back to watch the unloading of his crate, letting the professionals do their thing. As soon as the crate was where we wanted it, we had ’Musi present his front feet for us inside the crate so we could remove his tethers. Then we let him back himself out into his new digs. He cautiously walked down a long outside corridor, into the barn, and finally into a large stall where he could hear, smell, and see his new herd-mates two stalls away.
’Musi seemed quite excited that there were other elephants around. His attitude and behavior towards Mindy and I confirmed that he was a very well-trained elephant, able to adapt to change, and just awesome overall. Their staff couldn’t believe how calm and sweet ’Musi seemed after such a journey.
Vusmusi
Mindy and I stayed with ’Musi and the Fresno Chaffee Zoo staff for five more days, getting him accustomed to his side of the barn and adjoining outside yard. We worked closely with their Elephant Lead, Ashley, and their Elephant Manager, Vernon, to show them ’Musi’s behavioral repertoire, his verbal and visual hand signals, and point out some of the subtle nuances of his personality. All of his major sessions were filmed and many discussions took place to make sure we were all on the same page, allowing for a smooth transition for ’Musi and his new keepers.
One of the fun things to watch was seeing ’Musi getting used to the new sounds and sights of his outside environment. The zoo sits fairly close to railroad tracks, and watching his eyes and expressions whenever a choo-choo rolled by was priceless. It reminded me of Mabu and Lungile in Tucson, the first few times a jet fighter flew over the skies above them. Eventually, they all habituate to their surroundings and then they don’t react at all, unless it’s something completely new, and even that goes away in a short time.
Many blog readers who read the news about the move wondered whether ’Musi misses his family or herd mates, or if Ndlula misses her son, etc. What you’ll find in the animal world—whether through observation or personally working with them—is that animals live in the “now.” They take a situation that they find themselves in, deal with it, and move on. If you think about it, in the wild, an animal that’s “reminiscing” or “daydreaming” would be easy prey. I’m sure that ’Musi would remember any of his herd mates if they were to cross paths once again, but I’m certain he’s not thinking “I wonder what Mom and my brother are up to?” or “I wonder who Msholo is sparring with now that I’m gone?” Likewise, Ndlula and the others may have “rumbled” to communicate with or locate ’Musi, but after not receiving a response, quickly focused their attention back to the present situation of eating and watching out for Swazi.
The most up-to-date news on ’Musi is that he’s no longer under quarantine, and will be going out into one of the main exhibits soon. Within a few weeks, he will be formally introduced to the girls out in the main exhibit. I’ll be heading up to Fresno to witness the introductions and will blog about it when I get back.
All of our elephants (any of our animals for that matter) that have moved away “on-loan” are still “our” elephants (San Diego Zoo Global). Rest assured that our ’Musi-boy is in good hands with the Fresno staff. He’ll win them over like he did with us on that first day on February 23, 2004. He’s all grown up now and it’s his time to carry on what his name means: Vus’musi, “To build a family.”
Good that you are aware of the new Ellie blog article. Yep … we can now switch over to post future blog comments, aside from maybe a final reply or two here. Hopefully you will be able to do more cam watching too. Msholo has always been one of my Favs, and he does seem more at ease now. I was surprised to learn that Msholo is on loan from Lowrey Zoo, although I feel that the SDZSP elephant yard(s) rightfully belong to him again. 🙂
I see that new blog, East Coast! Wow. And thanks for the info about Mabu (I read your post a couple of days ago)–I see there’s a couple of articles in Tucson papers about his return. Guess we switch over to the new blog now for comments. I want to thank you and Jan for keeping me updated for the past month or so. Hopefully I can do some more cam-watching at last now that I can “see properly” again! I’ve missed so much, I’ll probably never get it all straight. I have to admit, I’m glad it was Mabu who left SDZSP and not Msholo. I remembered Luti’s birthday but never got a chance to post anything… And, gosh, two babies due later this year.–an embarrassment of riches. Thank you SDZSP!
A great new elephant blog article has just been added to the ZooNooz listings. It includes loads of cool photos and info. Also this update now gives us a new and more convenient location to post our Elephant comments.
Thank you SDZ Global and SDZSP ! 🙂
Yes Jan … even as of this moment, the green crate is/was still present in the West yard, but unfortunately Mabu is not. According to a Feb 22, 2018 blog posting on the Reid Zoo website, Mabu has apparently been sent back to Tucson, Also somewhat sadly interesting, is that I could not find any announcement about this move on the SDZSP Elephant Cam web page. Be that as it may, I tend to think that both of the big guys might be happier now, with less overall stress living in separate facilities. And probably will also be a bit less effort for the SDZSP Elephant Team than it was trying to manage two mature bulls while shuffling the Ellies around between the two yards. Best wishes to Mabu.
I missed wishing Luti a Happy Birthday. 🙁 I remembered, but failed to come into the blog.
As of this morning, the green crate is still in the west yard. The plants that were planted in the passageway sure have grown! I bet the Ellies would love to nibble on them.
Glad to see Mabu is still with the herd as I hadn’t been able to come in since, Tuesday.
“Happy Galentine’s Day!” was the title of an Elecam live stream this morning on the SDZSP F.B. page.
(Gal pal Valentine inspired by their matriarchal society.) 🙂 Anyway, by early afternoon, apparently most of the herd had disappeared into the barn, aside from four youngsters and Msholo who occupied the 2 small outdoor enclosures in the rear of the cam yard. And oh yeah … not to forget to wish a Very Happy Birthday to Luti !
East Coast, I don’t think your mistaken about the transport crate in the West Yard. I saw it, I think last week. It looked to be a crate as you suspected. 🙁
Could be, Mabu is making another visit to some other Ladies. At least that’s what I hope it means, as I think any of the boys are too young for SDZSP to send away and I don’t think they would send any of our Ladies away.
I’m wondering if the green crate is just for training? When they ship an Ellie, it’s usually in a container type? Maybe we are being paranoid for no reason. I guess we will find out sometime or another.
Unless the Monitor can shed some light. Hee hee.
Yes Jan … very interesting about using a ‘fence line’ of bee hives to keep wild elephants away from farmers’ crops, and also hopefully will reduce the incidence of elephant foraging raids upon villages as well. Anything that can be done to reduce and/or potentially eliminate human-elephant conflicts would surely be a benefit to all concerned. On another note, not wanting to appear paranoid, but at the same time this worry wart is wondering what I think I am seeing over in the West yard against the fence in back of the stone structure? It suspiciously appears to be a greenish colored Ellie transport container. Although I really hope that I am totally mistaken about what it actually is.
I just read an article on line about Elephants being scared of bees. Who would of thought, with the thick skin they have, that they would be. However, I think every living thing has sensitive areas that they’d be worried about being stung at, especially around the eyes, ears, nose and mouth. With Elephants, their trunks. It was interesting to learn that farmers are stringing beehives every 20 meters to keep the Elephants from their crops.
I just thought I’d share in case any of you Ellie fans here, hadn’t heard this before. You just have to google “Elephants scared of Bees” and there’s some interesting articles to be found. I hope that using the bees hives will save more Elephant lives, it’s a better alternative then shooting them should they be found foraging through their crops.
Looks like Mabu had another tusk trim. His were really getting long.
Been watching Swazi, Kami and Nisa at the tree stump. Swazi appears to be in a good mood as she is bee-bopping her head and walking cool. I did notice her right tusk at the end, is partly hollowed at the tip. I’ve never saw that on a tusk like that before. It’s very clean looking so most likely the Keepers have doctored it that way. Interesting to see.
It’s nice coming in here, seeing the Ellies in the sunshine and warmer air. Thank goodness they aren’t dealing with what many of us are, frigid, deep freeze temps and snow. Not a good combination for Elephants at all. Thankful our Ellies have a beautiful home and the best of care in a great climate.
I too, am excited to see how little queen Nisa will react to the new baby. I’m sure, Khosi and Kami will have many conversations with her about the new, wee little one. How to be an Auntie, and maybe tell her stories and reminisce about once, baby Nisa. I can’t wait to learn who the Daddy is. Praying it’s Msholo, as one can only hope and praying for a girl. One thing for sure is, the new baby will be easy to spot. All the kids have grown so, there are no little ones to mistake a baby with, even as it grows older.
Funny, about Luti hanging with Mabu, and if his big brother were still around, Luti probably would have appointed himself as Musi’s body guard.
I love watching Msholo and Mabu give each other a stink eye through the gates.
A bit of a wild time for me keeping up with the frequent changing of herd groupings (sort of like a game of musical Ellie chairs). Today with divided herd, Mabu was in the cam yard while Msholo was over in the West yard. For quite some time, the two big guys stared across at each other thru the main gates corridor. Msholo stood alone on his side, while Luti sttayed closeby to Mabu’s side as if he were serving as a backup. 🙂
During later morning (PST) Mabu had been unenthusiastically dusting himself for quite some time over in West yard while staring over into the cam yard. It appeared that he was mostly just dusting his undercarriage out of habit rather than due to any real need for insect control. Best wishes for a Happy and Healthy New Year to the Ellies, SDZSP Elephant Team and support staff, blog Monitor, cam operators and viewers.
Happy New Year to the Elephant Team, the ellies themselves, and everyone who shares their wonderful cam-viewing experiences! And just think: we may have a baby ele again this year–it feels like a long time since “the kids were little,” although the interval between births is pretty much as it would be in the wild, with nearly two years of pregnancy and then another couple while the calf nurses and is basically weaned (sometimes sooner than he or she wants to be, if the next baby comes along before the current one is ready to quit on his/her own–Mac was NOT happy, as I recall, when Qinisa took over the milk supply). It’s going to be fascinating to see how Little Q reacts to an ele smaller than she is–in this case, a LOT smaller. I remember Neepo, who wasn’t all that big himself yet, was just wow’ed to see how tiny she was when she was born… and how protective he was of her, if the bigger boys were rough-housing nearby. I would expect that protectiveness from a female calf, but to see a little bull so sensitive was definitely an “awww” thing.
On the subject of bull elephants and sensitivity, two big bulls were recently trying to comfort and protect an orphaned baby in the wild; of course they couldn’t give her milk, which she needed to survive, so she had to be rescued. The thing about it that I found most touching was the fact that those enormous adults must have been carefully taking “baby” steps so that she could keep up with them, and that they basically kept her between them where she was safe… I remember Msholo comforting Qinisa once when she was tiny and had “lost” her mother–I could see her little mouth open yelling, and he was nearby and reached over to touch her gently with his trunk. Of course Swazi came hurrying over right away and Little Q settled down immediately once she had her mother back.
Just a drop in to say Merry Christmas to our Keepers and Ellies! And to our cam operators and monitor!
Looks like a sunny day for the Ellies. Here, we’re in the polar vortex with snow. No place for a Elephant to be. The kids are gathered and interested in the root stump this morning and Kami is playing in the dirt pile. Will be watching them throughout the day, maybe Santa will drop some presents for them. 😉
Thanks for the update, Jan. I still haven’t managed to see much with the stump, altho’ Khosi was “nosing around” in there the other morning while her mother and one of the calves watched. I did see Luti and, I think, Msholo “strength-testing” one day recently. (Been away so long and with my eyesight not good these days, I’m not always sure, but Mabu seems to be a lot more massive than Msholo. You’d think I could tell from the tusks, if nothing else, but as I say, I’ve been away awhile and everybody looks different except Swazi, Ndlula, and beautiful Umngani.) The big guy was very patient and gentle with him, but then decided to pull-out-the-plug a little and simply pushed him backwards across almost the whole yard–but Luti did not surrender, he attempted to hold his ground all the way. He’ll have plenty of muscle developing from these workouts! I found it interesting how much Luti caressed Msholo’s face and tusks as they played–whether it was affection or looking for a “hand-hold,” I couldn’t say, but it definitely included affection from the gentleness of it.
It’s another early morning with the Ellies gathered at the root stump. They sure love it!
It’s interesting to watch them poke around in it with their trunks. I wonder what they’re thinking while doing so. Swazi, Nisa and Mac have a front row seat as they do their excavating while the other calves just hang around.
The Ellies are back!!!
THank you!!!
Ohhhh thank you, Monitor!!! As East Coast said, we get worried about our herd when there’s an outage for a long period of time. Happy to know all is well and that it’s nothing more than a technical issue. :0
We’ll stay tuned!
I miss watching the Ellies, but also I get a bit nervous whenever the cam goes offline for any length of time. I checked the Tiger cam and it has remained operational during this Ellie cam outage, Hopefully all is well at the park and the Ellie cam will be back online soon.
I sure am missing our Ellies these past two days. Seems like the cam has been down for ages. 🙁 Hoping it’s fixed soon. Please???
Lana, the root stump has been the place to be, especially early mornings. Saw Khosi fidgeting with it yesterday morning, before the cam went Pooffff! The boys have been sparring too. I think they’re all enjoying their Fall weather, however, look out Ellies! Winter is just a week away. Though there, at SDZSP, they don’t get the cold and snow like some of us do.
Blog Monnitor’s note: The vendor is working on it—stay tuned! 🙂
I seem to be missing all “the good stuff” with our ellies lately, including the various antics with the root stump! Wish I’d seen those… Interesting but not surprising about Msholo and Mabu; bull elephants in the wild seem to get along very well, due to their hierarchy, and form friendships and even small herds at times, but I can understand that it’s risky in captivity–and of course an absolute DO NOT when one or the other (or worse, both!) is in musth. Wonder what they talk about to each other! I often wonder with the mothers and calves, too… there’s certainly no doubt that a lot of communication must be going on among “our” entire herd.
For anyone interested, PBS is supposed to be rebroadcasting one of their elephant programs tomorrow night on Nature. This was a particularly interesting (and beautifully filmed) documentary: Soul of the Elephant. It takes place in Botswana which is a country that is extremely protective of their elephants.
Thanks again to SDZSP for all they do for “our” ellies–and SD Global for their involvement with the Retiti Elephant Orphanage in Kenya!
Aw… I missed Khosi and her root stump antics. I saw Mabu with others in the cam yard again today (Mon). Eventually they were switched back to the West yard after it was cleaned and restocked. When I checked the cam again later, Msholo was now out in the cam yard along with Khosi and Kami. He faced the wall eating from his hay snack box, ‘pretending’ not to notice Mabu who was looking over at him from directly across the wall. But ho-hum… they did not show much excitement toward one other at all and soon both wandered away.
Watching Kami and Nisa having a hay day with the large root. They’re having a relaxing time all by themselves, poking and prodding about the root, in and out of the cervices and managing to pull some morsels out to munch on.
During the first few days, that large rooty tree stump was a popular hangout place for assorted groups of Ellies. Later around dusk today (Tuesday) Khosi was in the cam yard gnawing on remnants of a cardboard carton. Although I hadn’t seen what treats may have been in any boxes earlier in the day. Also Swazi may have a new protective filling on the tip of her right tusk?
This morning, when I first signed into our Ellies, I find Msholo, Swazi and her kids munching on parts from the huge tree trunk/root, that was probably donated to them. It’s in the east yard, top of the hill from the pool. It brought back memories of the video of Mabu, while in Tucson, when someone gave that herd a tree root. How Mabu handle the monster root like a feather and pushed it over.
Right now, Khosi is attacking it! Head butting, rear butting it, pushing, backing into it, kicking, spinning, giving it the evil eye and ears are flared! Too funny!
Unfortunately I missed seeing Gani frolicking in that huge dirt mound, Jan. But I certainly do get a vivid mental picture of her having a grand old time ! Today (Sat.) most of the herd has been milling around at the stone shed end of the East yard. Most were eating from the hanging net bags or from loose hay piles, while Msholo was being very protective of his feeder box, shooing away any uninviteds who might try to share in his hay.
Yesterday morning, (11-2) Mama U was playing in the HUGE dirt pile, which was no ant hill. The perfect Ellie size. It was fun to watch Mama U, throw some dirt around, wallow in it and then lay across the pile, which she did for some time. Seemed like she enjoyed resting on her belly in the dirt. I guess she was taking a load off her feet. The pile was so big there was room enough for a few more Ellies, but Mama U had it all to herself.
I think the calves are enjoying the cool mornings as they have been playing and pulling all kinds of shenanigans in the morning. The cam operators start before light each morning so your able to catch some silly fun with the kids.
Wondering what’s in store for the Ellies in the East yard? There’s some kind of excavation equipment working there at, or in the trench, by the passageway. Although their not quiet machines, Swazi and family, are right across the passageway eating from her breakfast box. The noise or the sight of the “monsters” doesn’t faze her at all.
There’s other equipment working too, so it must be noisey. I know the Keepers, don’t shelter the Ellies, while at the same time, trying to keep them in their natural habitat as much as they can possibly can.
It will be exciting to see what progresses, if anything. They may just be restructuring the trench, or something of the likes.
Oh yay! Thank you for fixing the cam, it is wonderful!!! And we so very much appreciate it. It was tough there for awhile trying to figure out who those little squished Ellies were.
The gate is open tonight too! I love when it is and the Ellies can go back and forth from yard to yard. I think they love it more. 🙂
Cool!! The Elephant cam picture distortion has been fixed and also back to a HD display ! Thanks SDZ Safari Park !
But the Ellies, (esp the boys), had better behave themselves, since now any scofflaws can be readily identified on cam. 🙂
I have the cam distortion problem, too. Hard to tell which ele I’m looking-at, most of the time. Happy to hear that Msholo is still snatching “treats” in his old way, I love to see him do that.
Jan, I loved your description of the “shenanigans” on the 13th! Wish I had seen that… I’ve missed so much lately, it seems.
It took a while to ID him in the wider field cam view, also under bright sunlight, but Msholo went over into the West yard with the herd this Tuesday morning for a short time. He seemed to feel right at home, being his old agile self by climbing up the side wall to pick treats off of the stone structure roof. After a quick restocking of hay the herd was returned to the cam yard.
It’s after 8:00 am here, and 6:00 at the park. Cam operator already on duty!!! Thank you!
There’s a shot of the shelter in the west yard. It’s just dawn, so can’t see well, but there’s this big blob by the shelter. I guess Mabu? That would be the only Ellie that would appear THAT size.
Good morning Ellies and Keepers! Wishing you all a great day!
I’m experiencing the same thing, East Coast. I thought it was just me, but now I find it’s not. The Ellies look, short and dumpy. Even the surroundings are compressed. Maybe their still working on it.
Lots of shenanigans this morning with the kids in the West yard by the pool. Khosi playing with Emanti, she went down on one knee and then all the way down to play. Couple Ellies went down on one knee, flopping their trunk over their heads and shaking them. GRRRRRRRR! Lots of pushing, butting and chasing going on. Pairs of teams going at it! Head shaking and ears flared, backing up and charging the opponent. Then along came Swazi, who laid her trunk across Nisa. (I think it was) Then she began feeling her oats too and she tried to play as well. She went down on her knee and then to the ground, but no one really wanted to play with her. She was rather ignored. The kids just went about their playing leaving her to herself. Good try, Swazi, anyway.
Sure enjoyed seeing the kids have so much fun!
After the Elephant Cam went down yesterday morning and eventually was restored, my cam view now makes the Ellies and surroundings appear to be ‘distorted’. It seems to be due to increase in pixel width vs decrease in pixel height settings of the cam image display? This image distortion occurs in both Internet Explorer 11 and Chrome browsers. Are any other cam viewers also experiencing this problem? Thanks.
Wonderful pumpkin video! I’ve been out of the loop here due to moving so even the terrific news about Ndula being pregnant was a big surprise–a very happy one! Thanks to all–and our Monitor–for all the posts… Yes, it would be exciting if there is more than one baby ele on the way–but we won’t know where to look next, with two (or more) running around! An embarrassment of riches!
Really cool Ellie pumpkin smash video. Also most fitting that Mabu seemed to get a Gigantor’s share of that gigantic gourd. Many thanks to the Elephant team, Monitor, as well as to the donor of that huge pumpkin !
Thanks, Erin and Monitor!
That was fun. Swazi, with her kids in tow, had first crack it. But Mabu finished it off.
The pumpkin video is on their facebook page.
Blog Monitor’s note: And here!
Where is the video, Erin? I would love to see it.
Maybe the Monitor can enlighten us as to where it is, too?
Thank you!
Blog Monitor’s note: You can find and enjoy the video on the Safari Park’s YouTube channel.
Cute video of pumpkin rush. I wonder which big elephant was the one who didn’t want to share. The poor little guys always get the left overs.
Looks like our Ellies received another enrichment today. I’m seeing, what probably once was, cardboard boxes scattered about. They are some lucky Elephants!
Thank you Monitor, I will be watching for the information on the Pumpkin Treat Party! I’m sure it will be a hoot!
Thanks to the park for trying to get a video of the pumpkin 🎃 rush. I never catch the birthday bashes etc live.
Nope, your not loopy, East Coast. I saw him there too! At first I thought it was Msholo walking back to the west yard with the herd, but then I did see it was indeed, Mabu, not Msholo. So could be Msholo was in the barn or in the far back yard next to the barn, as I thought that’s where I saw him very early this morning.
I didn’t see pumpkins? Did anyone see pumpkins? I’ve been glued to the cam all morning when it was light enough to see.
Yes please let us know Monitor if there are any videos. We would love to see them.
Thank you!
Blog Monitor’s note: Once the crew has done their excellent editing work and there is a video to post, you can be sure I will do so!
If the cam is unable to get the elephants with the pumpkins (due to camera angles), don’t worry—we have our videographers out there and if we get good footage we’ll post the video (and I’ll let you know about it).
Huh ????!!!!!! Do I see Mabu in the Cam Yard this morning ????!!!! Either I am more loopy than I thought… or maybe he’s trying to get first dibs on the punkin treats later today !
AWESOME! Thank you so much for the heads up!!!
We’ll be watching. And thank you to the “generous giver.”
Hello to all our devoted Elephant Cam viewers! Just wanted to give you a trunk up: on Thursday, October 5, 2017 at around 10 a.m. (PST), the elephants will be getting a special pumpkin surprise thanks to a generous donor.
It’ll be HUGE fun; enjoy!
I’ll look for the video’s East Coast. I’m rarely in Face Book, but I certainly will look now that I know.
I remember back in November of last year. Mama U and Ndula were in the west yard, of course were Mabu is kept. There was hanky panky that day and Mabu did mate with Ndula, but of course the cam moved away but not quickly enough as it happened awfully fast and it was evident they mated. Nonetheless the cam did move. I’m sure I have video of it as there was some chasing and celebration that day. Swazi and Nisa were off behind the rock shelter eating. That said, there is a probability Mabu is the Daddy. However it may of not taken and there’s room for Msholo to be the Daddy which I am praying for and have my fingers crossed.
Can you imagine, a little Msholo running around!!! Especially a little girl, which I am so hoping for. I’d love to see an extension of his genes in the herd, he is such a wonderful Elephant.
I am very pleased that Ndula will be the next mom. And although some may tend to think that Mabu likely is the dad, it would be really terrific if Msholo actually turns out to be the father. Also here’s hoping that there will another birth announcement (or two) in the upcoming months. Jan, all of the videos are archived under the “Video” listing in the upper left side menu of the SDZSP FB page.
I just went there Erin, thanks for telling us about it!!! I wouldn’t of guessed Ndula would have been the next Mama, seeing Mama U had such a closeness to Msholo, but then there’s always Mabu. It will be so exciting to learn who the Daddy is. I’m hoping Msholo, how about the rest of you? It would be nice for him.
The pool party was awesome. I loved how Mama U told Gadze, you stay over there! I learned more from this live Face Book presentation they did. Hope it stays on there awhile, I want to go back and watch it again.
Thank you Lauren, your a great Elephant Ambassador!
Did anyone else watch the Facebook elephant pool party? How exciting that Ndula will be a three time mother next year. It is still a mystery as to who the father is.
Yes, for a couple of weeks or so, I have noticed that non closeup cam views appear somewhat blurry and out of focus. They have not been as sharp as in the past. I missed seeing the earlier pool party today. with Khosi, Emanti, and the others. Although lately I have seen Khosi acting crazy sparring with various boys both in and out of the pool. She often plays quite roughly too !!
Watching the early morning, Ellies. There’s a pool party going on! Looks like Khosi and Emanti, not sure about the other two, as Khosi and Emanti are clearly easy to tell. 🙂
Is it me? Or, does the video seem hazy to others? I watch the Ellies at home and work and the picture doesn’t appear to be as clear as it once was? Is anyone else seeing the same thing? The close ups are clear but when zoomed far back, it looks hazy.
I missed the celebration too, but thank you for the posts! Yes, Jan, I agree it’s harder and harder to tell who’s who, especially with the boys! Even Qinisa has gotten so “big”! It’s wonderful to see them growing up and so healthy, but I do miss seeing babies. We’ll have some little-ones again one of these days…
Happy Birthday to Kami today! She’s as sweet as ever, too. One day a couple of weeks ago, Little Q was trying to scratch an itch at the back of her head (sort of between her ears but farther back) and seemingly couldn’t quite reach it. The ellies briefly grouped and moved on separately, but Kami paused to reach over and rub/scratch Qinisa’s “itch” before she moved on! How special that “girl” is! I’ll never forget the time she was doing the “gymnast obstacle course” thing with a big area of all kinds of logs, walking precariously across the tops of them–I had my heart in my throat, afraid she never would see her 10th birthday! She has to be one of the most sure-footed ellies in the world.
I missed the Birthdays altogether, I was on vacation. The older, “young” girls are becoming Ladies all too quickly. Sounds like Khosi and Kami had some kind of party.
The kids are all getting so big, that at a glance, sometimes you don’t know if your looking at one of the Mama’s or the kids. There’s times I don’t know which boy is which, unless I see them with the Mothers. Their tusks used to help me tell them apart, but they have grown too! This is a beautiful herd, and even though our kids are growing up, they are still full of the shenanigans they’ve been doing all along and just as entertaining.
Hoping someday the Keepers will have an update on our Ellies, I really miss what they share, but know they’re busy.
I missed those boxes East Coast, but a joint birthday bash. I wonder if the two girls understand the concept of sharing the treats? The cutest thing I have seen in a while was Qinisa earlier in the week. She came out of the pool and meandered over to a very large dirt pile. She began by dusting herself and then after 6 or 7 dusts she dove into the dirt pile head first. Then she flopped on her side and she looked like she had arrived at the spa by her expression. Of course nothing lasts forever and before long Neepo showed up and pretty much wanted to lie down where Qinisa was located and she had to get up. Your elephant pals never let you lie down for long.
There is a fair number of large reddish decorated cardboard boxes in the cam yard today.
One box facing the cam was inscribed with large lettering, ‘Khosi Kami’. I did not get to watch very much of the cam on Khosi’s birthday last week. And since many of the rest of the herd are in the West yard, I am thinking that today may be a combined birthday celebration for both Khosi and Kami ?
Belated Happy 11th Birthday wishes for Khosi ! I hope that she and the herd enjoyed a grand party celebration with plenty of tasty treats.
Whoa! She’s eleven. That’s even harder to believe. (I have it written right here that she’s eleven, but it IS late-night here.)
Happy Birthday to Khosi! It’s already “tomorrow” here but I “made it” for Pacific Time! Can’t believe she’s ten years old…
Happy Birthday to Qinisa! I can’t believe she’s five years old. I remember the day she was born, All the ellies were excited, I reckon, but Kami was absolutely “over the moon”–even tho’ she could touch the baby through the fence when Little Q was close enough, Kami kept trying to figure out a way to get through that fence and get closer. She even tried to get through it backwards at one point, if I recall correctly!
I haven’t been watching as much as I usually do, either, Jan. I see some new stuff but haven’t been on-line enough to see what they’ve done to the passageway, that sounds interesting! I’m always happy to see new enrichment things for our ellies.
I wonder if they’ll have a “party” for Qinisa–and will I tune in at the right time to see it, if they do…
Yay, the cam is back!
Looks like our Ellies yard, has been updated. New, beautiful plants in the passageway. There’s also a rope type thing, hanging from the rock shelter in the west yard, on the cam side. I haven’t been in as much as I’d like lately, so not sure if this is new, or was installed recently? Wonder what it’s purpose is. Maybe a call rope for “room service,” or the “butler?”
Lana, that’s interesting about, Emanti. I will have to watch for that when I see him in the pool again.
I haven’t heard anything regarding animals reactions to the Eclipse. However, while I was watching the one in Jackson Hole, Wy., when it got the darkest, I saw too large birds fly into a tree of some kind. Not sure what that was about, maybe they did think it was dusk, as they had the total eclipse there.
I’m just now checking in the first time for the day and the cam is down. 🙁
I have just noticed that Mabu’s left tusk is much shorter now. Apparently it has been trimmed off leaving a blunt flat tip. Earlier this morning I saw him following closely after Luti who was beating a somewhat hasty retreat. Quite possibly Mabu became annoyed when Luti would not spar with him. Mom Ndlula eventually came over to commiserate with her boy, after Mabu had left.
It will be interesting to see/read about various animals’ and birds’ reactions to partial or total eclipse, for sure. I don’t expect much in our area as we’re pretty far away from the main action.
Thanks for posted comments! I’ve been out of the loop again for weeks… I did want to mention something I saw on the cam about a month ago. Emanti and, I think, Ingadze were playing in the pool; they were the only ones at the time. Instead of the usual face-to-face pushing games, Emanti swam-around to “attack” Ingadze from the back and side, curling his trunk around his friend’s neck sort of like a human wrestling-hold and “pulling.” It occurred to me that this is one of the adaptations he’s figured out, to compensate for his lack of tusks. Needless to say, there wasn’t much Ingadze could do to shake him off or to turn and engage. Of course it wouldn’t work as well on land unless he was playing/fighting with a smaller elephant, I suppose, but it still shows that he’s investigating all avenues for future combat situations. Not that we expect him to have to deal with those in zoo environments! But like any intelligent elephant, he’s planning ahead for possible futures.
Now I need to have a listen to that 911 call…
I had to go see that and found it right away! You are right, Erin. Loved the conversations. “one’s just eating somebody’s tree.” Then one man explained to another, it’s like one you see in the circus. Too funny. They weren’t believing their ears.
Lots of pool party’s lately and I sure have been enjoying those.
I know the park won’t see much of the eclipse Monday, so we probably won’t see a different behavior with our Ellies. I’m not terribly far from Carbondale Illinois, so we’ll see some of it, “fairly well.” I understand Zoo’s and such are preparing to study behaviors where they are. It will be interesting to hear what they discover.
For fun I was surfing youtube and came across an elephant video that is funny. I searched for it under the heading 911 call for elephant loose in Canada. The 911 operator, police dispatcher and police are so funny on it. Not a call you get every day.
During the day on Tuesday, Msholo and Swazi were cavorting a few times, with most of the herd following them around as usual. On Wednesday, in addition to the usual tub just inside the main gate corridor, there was another large tub of water among the logs adjacent to the mud hole in cam yard. Maybe the large drinking water saucer feature is out of service, or else the water tub was set close by to the wallow so the Ellies can mix up fresh mud as needed?
I also saw that pool incident as you described, Erin. Yep…. an ‘unmellow’ Swazi is definitely still amongst us. Also on Friday, after cleaning and stocking the cam yard, the keepers first let Emanti, Khosi, Kami, Ingadze out of the smaller inner compound, before opening the main gates to allow the rest of the herd to enter from the west yard. So for a while, the 4 kids enjoyed gathering up treats and browse branches on the grassy area by the left wall near the cam tower structure. But when the main gates finally opened, Swazi hurried in across the cam yard, setting her sights on poor Emanti as her primary victim to chase off. A typical bullying tactic by Swazi, especially since she had totally ignored several hay boxes, black dish tub feeders, and green leafy browse branches that were in her path along the way.
I was too quick and jumped the gun. Swazi is not getting mellow. Yesterday she was in the pool again with six calves. She seemed to be enjoying herself because all the others give her a wide berth. But then she had to go and chase Kami and Emanti out of the pool because she had to lie down in the exact spot they were standing. The whole other side of the pool was clear but she had to have that spot. They eventually went back in and fooled around but when Swazi was done everyone out of the pool. It is rather comical.
I did not see Khosi getting her shower at the gates, but did you see there is some sort of big tub right there. Not sure what is in it but there is something in it that they pick up. I did see one of the keepers at the big pool get a few elephants really good. On the right side of the pool out of the way is a very big hose. So Ingadze was in the pool following the keeper to that side hoping for a treat. Well he got a very big surprise. The keeper pulled out the hose and someone turned it on and whammo poor Ingadze got it. He turned fast to get away from the big hose. Mama U and the rest of her brood hustled around the pool edge to get to the opposite side and far out of the way.
If that wasn’t enough just a little later that hose got tied in to one of the lawn sprinklers that are hidden on that side of the big pool. Two more unsuspecting elephants went in and whammo the keeper turned on the big lawn sprinkler. Those two elephants hustled to get out of the pool and all they were getting at this time is the spray because that lawn sprinkler makes a big arch.
Who knew elephants could be so chicken. I guess their sheer enormous size saves them from a lot of grief in the wild because they really are scared of their own shadow.
The previous post was partly a test. I’ve hard the hardest time posting, because for some reason I can’t get my reply to post because the cookies/java thing.
A week or so ago, I saw Khosi (?) enjoying a play with a water hose, from maybe Curtis. It was at the passage-way gate, and she was being sprayed all over at times, and other times, trying to catch water in her mouth with her trunk curled up and mouth open. Anyone catch that? It was amazing to watch. as you just mentioned Erin, about the sprinklers terrorizing Swazi and Nisa. That would of been fun to see.
I think Swazi has mellow moments these days. I saw her the other morning, very early when the cam was still a bit fuzzy, caressing I think it was, Ndula’s back, as they were all huddled together, as they do in the early morning hours.
Too funny, Erin. I missed that!
Ha ha. A lawn sprinkler turned on and it got Swazi and Qinisa. Boy did they move fast to get out of the way. Then the nozzle turned and I think it was Kami and Neepo who got out of the way and even Mabu hustled a bit to get to safety. Not sure why they hate the water from the lawn sprinker so much. It is hot in California and you would think they would like it but not really. However it is really funny to see when it happens.
Hmmm… a ‘mellow’ Swazi…. the mind does boggle a little at that thought….. Anyway, recently I did catch a glimpse of her suddenly scurrying out of the pool from a party. When the cam panned over, she was foraging around the log pile and feeder ball near the main gate area. Although, at that time I was thinking that maybe she became distracted and inadvertently had left the youngers behind as she hustled out of the pool, possibly to commandeer any treat(s) that were being unearthed by some other Ellie ?
Is Swazi getting mellow? Twice in a week I have seen Swazi in the pool with a pile of calves. She was playing with them and let them stay in the pool after she left. She didn’t even attempt to chase them out.
Luti seems to be throwing his considerable weight around more often in recent times both on land and in the pool. Yesterday he had also bullied Khosi away from a feeder box, but then showed no interest in it after she had walked away. Also at times Luti greets Umngani if mom Ndlula is nearby. Although often U initiates the greeting herself. But she had better be careful not to encourage Luti to take over where his bro Musi had left off. The Ellies have had loads of green browse branches lately. The tree farms must have undergone some serious trimming. A couple of pool parties today… with 3-4 of the boys… then later most of the youngers with party pooper Swazi.
Luti is such a bully boy these days. He just went over and pushed poor old Khosi off of her food box and took the shady spot from her too.
I have only seen twice a brand new blue object in the elephant habitat. Once it was floating in the pool and another time one of the elephants behind the rock structure either threw or kicked it into the gully. Is that new blue object a pool toy or a new type of feeder?
I have noticed that Mabu can be a lot more bullish than Msholo whenever collecting browse from the trees.
Anyway, I tuned in on Sunday evening to a pool party with Nisa and Neepo, who were soon joined by Khosi. Eventually Gadze and Mac joined in the fun. After a while Swazi appeared on the scene and went into pool with the others, splashing roughly in the water with her trunk. All seemed fine until party pooper Swazi attempted to push Neepo out of the pool by his rear end. Although Swazi’s police action wasn’t really all that aggressive, and Neepo simply circled around, refusing to get out of the pool. It also appeared that Khosi attempted to distract Swazi from further pursuit of Neepo. Then Umngani came racing over but did not enter the pool nor confront Swazi. Umngani nervously walked away to the far side along the pool walkway and just stood there to observe with a worried look on her face. But soon the crowd broke up and all left the pool area on friendly terms.
Early this morning Mabu was crouching down on his back legs and reaching way up to get some branches from the tree. I saw him do it twice and he got nothing but a snack. The third time he tried he got hold of the branch and he pulled and the whole branch came down. Luti hung around because once it was down on the ground he was after a few of the leaves. It was a massive branch and once he got a hold of it and pulled it snapped like nothing. How strong is that?
Wow Erin, that was quite some splash n’ dash by those wild Ellies in the YouTube video. Possibly could have been the result of two different herds vying for water rights/swimming ? Whatever the case, coincidentally later this afternoon two of the SDZ SP boys had a long and rough sparring match in and around the main pool. One of the combatants was Luti, and I believe the other one was Ingadze. It all was very intense with Luti being quite aggressive in his relentless pursuit. But not wanting to back down, Gadze put up a brave effort to fend off Luti’s assaults and also managed to get in a few licks of his own. For sure, the boys are maturing fast. [Sigh…]
The Escondido herd does not know how lucky they are at all. If you would love to see an unbelievable splash and dash pool party in the wild you have to look at this video. I found it by going to youtube and I just happened to write in the words african adventure videos. When you see the link pick the video that is titled wild elephants going crazy. Of course when you are crossing something called Crocodile River, I think anyone would be getting excited.
Thank you for bringing our Ellies back!!! The site was down most the day, but I understand there’s maintenance and things of that sort. Just missed them, that’s all.
My goodness Erin, lucky for Luti, Swazi wasn’t having a bad day. I’d love to seen it though. I missed that one.
I’ve been wanting to post and share for weeks, but I couldn’t because I couldn’t figure out how to do the “cookies” thing. Geesh, I am not computer savvy. I can post on FireFox, so that works for me.
I forgot to post this as it happened about 2 weeks ago. There was a huge pool party one evening so there was a lot of pushing and splashing. One of the participants was Luti and another was Swazi. Everyone was having a good time especially Luti. He was getting so charged up in the water that at one point he spun around and pushed the first elephant he saw. Uh oh that elephant was Swazi. She jumped up on all fours right away and Luti realized his error and stuck his ears out and got out of there pretty quick. Swazi was giving him the stare and Luti was hoping to make amends because at that point he began to walk backwards towards Swazi. I guess it worked since no discipline resulted in this little escapade. The party soon ended and Luti escaped that one.
Happy Birthday, Emanti!
Happy 7th Birthday, Emanti !
Happy Birthday to Emanti!
Nice call in your inquiry about Luti hitting the 5000 lb weight mark, Erin. I didn’t see Msholo trying to tease him last night, but often have seen Mabu trying to entice a sparring match out of the reluctant 5K-pounder. But I guess Luti had better get used to those situations now, when either one of the Big Guys may call him out at any time. But despite his weight advantage over his peers, often times I have seen Emanti and even Neepo either hold their own, or even get the better of Luti in some of their matches. So for safety’s sake Luti definitely needs to soon learn dueling techniques vs a larger opponent, if he ever is to survive a match with one of the huge M&M’s. Hopefully mom Ndlula will continue to help him refine his sparring technique .
Last night Msholo was teasing Luti. After a bit Luti wanted to stop so he lay down on the hill on the backside of the rock structure. Msholo was having none of that and made Luti get up. It was like he was telling him you cannot do that in the wild when another bull teases you. Luti had to get up and after a little more teasing he took the high road up the hill to his mother, and Msholo literally took the low road down in to the gully.
A question for the SDZSP. Has any one of the young bulls reached the 5000 pound mark yet? Luti was the biggest at just over 2000 pounds back in 2012 and if anyone of the bulls has hit 5K it has to be him.
The Park’s Elephant Team replies: Yes,Lutsandvo just tipped that Mark at 5,081 lbs. He’s the only calf above 5,000. Even Khosi, Kami, and Ingadze weigh less than him.
I’ve been watching the cam, and saw the remnants of Mac’s party too. I haven’t been able to post either, Lana. Now that you’ve said that about IE, I think that was the reason. I’m on Google now.
I’m going to go watch the video’s of Elephants in the snow. I love snow, so that will be a treat for me. Our “Brookfiled Zoo,” doesn’t have Elephants at this time. Neither does Lincoln Park Zoo. In speaking with a Keeper at Brookfield, a year or so ago, they said they most likely won’t have any, (in the future?) hinting that the weather is too severe in the winters. I myself would hate to see them kept indoors in a small space as the winters are long with a lot of snow. I know other northern Zoo’s have them, but it’s okay, I get my Ellie fix here each day, 24/7. 😉 I would image if our Ellies had a snow day, for sure a snowball fight would break out. Pretty much like the entertaining pool parties we see. Lord help the Ellie that accidently hit Swazi between the eyes with a snow ball!
It appears Msholo has had a interest in, Kami. I believe it was her he had hanky panky with the other day. I do know it was her he was persuing, and as he caught her and presented himself, the cam went away so I couldn’t be sure it was her he actually mated, but I believe so. There didn’t appear to be a celebration, unless it was short and sweet as when the cam swept back it was over with and everyone was calm just standing around. Is Kami too young, or is she at that age where she can actually become a Mama? I know it’s different for Elephants in capivity. Just hard to believe the little girls are old enough, with the exception of Nisa of course.
The ellies had some “browse enrichment” earlier today–big leafy branches stuck “tree-like” around the lower yard. There were branches on the ground, too. Lots and lots of branches so no one was pestering anyone else, they all had their own! Ndlula found one of the “trees”–it pulled out when she grabbed it, but that didn’t faze her. I loved watching her strip the leaves off with her trunk, running it right down the branch so she got a bunch of leaves at the same time without having to pick them off individually.
This is “old news” but I haven’t been able to post on the blog in Explorer, and only recently thought of using Chrome. This goes way back to speculations about the ellies if there were snow (for enrichment or in reality). There are some great videos of ellies–both African and Asian–in the snow at northern zoos. Just Google: “Elephants playing in snow You Tube.” One of the best is by America Mia, of a calf in Oregon having a fabulous time, as if it were mud or water. Priceless!
Happy Birthday Mac ! In the distance I see remnants of green paper streamers hanging from the stone shed at far end of the cam yard and at least one small cardboard box on the ground. I assume that was part of the leftovers from a party. Hope you enjoyed plenty of birthday treats.
Happy Birthday to Mac!
A pool party broke out during later Thursday afternoon after Emanti, aided by Neepo, pushed Nisa into the water. The three of them had a grand old time water wrestling. After a while Kami came over to keep things honest, but stayed up on the right side landing of the pool. Then Umngani herself showed up to splash around with trunk and foot at the edge of the water. She continued to do that, gradually building herself up into a frenzy, as Kami, along with a crowd of park visitors, looked on in apparent disbelief.. Suddenly Umngani jumped into the pool. She tumbled around in and under water, breaching the surface several times like a whale, as the three youngsters continued to play nearby. Finally Kami jumped in and joined them. Umngani was really going wild for quite some time. Eventually she started to slow down and then came out of the pool. Gadze walked over to the edge to watch the other kids play, but finally was enticed by Neepo and Emanti to join the fun. Later Mac wandered over but stayed on the pool steps. Neepo left the pool to spar with him for a bit. After a time the others goaded Mac into the water too. Eventually only Emanti, Mac, and Gadze were left in the pool as the cam panned away. I did not notice the time when the party had first begun, but I guesstimate it lasted for well over an hour. The energy level of these Ellies seems endless.
Would have loved to see that pool-party with Swazi acting silly! Thanks to all for sharing stories, I’ve missed a lot lately. Msholo with “leggings” must have been hilarious–I’ve seen the calves that way when they were little, but never the big guy!
Jan I forgot to mention that I also get a disturbance in the video stream. I keep getting stream has been lost attempting to acquire. It happens on the work computer and home computer and tablet. It might have been Swazi shaking the foundation but I think it is the tigers next door. Those big cats are prima donnas and I think they want all the bandwidth for their own tiger cam.
Blast I missed it Jan. Would have loved to have seen Swazi lose her nut in addition to the feigned fear look. I can never get enough of an elephant pulling that face. I think I have it figured out now. Catch the elephants in the pool after the park closes and the visitors have gone home or not yet arrived in the day. Those elephants are pretty tricky that way.
What a crazy, crazy, pool party tonight in the east yard pool! Was that Swazi who lost her beans?! Anyone se? It’s 7:11 now at SDZSP and the cam is pulled back for the night. It’s about dusk and all you can see are these black Elephants (because their wet) running around like a bunch of crazy chickens. I believe Swazi, was the adult in the bunch and she was running in and out of the pool. When she was out, she had that “feigned fear” look. Kicking with her back feet and spinning. She ran in the pool and some the kids were like, “look out, here she comes again!” and they would scattered and run from the the pool. She was goofy! Slapping her trunk and waving it across the top of the water creating a big spray. She was chasing the kids, and they went running across the stairs splashing water as if running for their lives. Msholo was at the rock shelter, with Mama U, minding his own business and she ran up to him and backed into him and continued butting him. He would nudge her off, in his gentle way, and she would back into him again. Boy, when that gal loses it, she loses it. Msholo sure has a lot of patience, lucky for Swazi.
I don’t know if it was just my stream, but my screen kept freezing as so did my cell phone. Seems it always does in moments like that. Or. Maybe Swazi was shaking the earth and messed the cam up with all her running, kicking and spinning.
Erin, I saw Msholo today in his, “leggings” aka “waders.”
Unfortunately I missed seeing Msholo wading in the pool. I am sure there were other occasions, although I can recall only one or two instances when I actually saw him go swimming after the time his pool buddy Musi had been sent off to Fresno Chaffee Zoo. Several times on Sunday afternoon I did see Msholo splashing himself from the main yard mud puddle, so maybe nowadays, he simply prefers mudding over swimming.
Just before 7 AM today Msholo was in the big pool and I think he had his front legs up on the pool deck and/or wall and he managed to get a piece of browse from the tree. There were people there this morning so they got a real good close up of Msholo. He got out of the pool after and he looked so funny. He just walked around and he didn’t submerge himself, so he was wet only up to the top of his legs. It looked like he was wearing leggings.
Earlier this afternoon the water fountain had the water gushing out. Every time the SDZSP increases the water pressure there, Khosi always goes around and plays with the water. Today she had her foot over the gushing water and had it splashing all over the place. Qinisa came by and sure enough Khosi put her foot over it again and poor Qinisa got blasted with water in the face.
Thank you cam operator for staying with the action when Swazi and her kids were playing “keep away” from Mabu. Poor Mabu didn’t stand a chance in stealing an enrichment box from this family! However Nisa was the smartest. She carried her box farther away, where Swazi and Mac only went a few feet. Mabu chased Mac out of camera range at the end, so don’t know how that ended up.
I saw some wild pool party action on Sunday eve around 6:30 pm PDT, initially with just Emanti, Gadze and Neepo in the pool. As Gadze and Neepo began to go at each another exclusively, Emanti swam over and reached out to play with Nisa and Kami who were on the left pool steps. After a while Emanti succeeded in pushing Nisa into the pool despite Kami’s attempts to intervene. In short time, all of the youngers ended up in the water and had a grand old time, with Nisa often in the middle of the action as usual. During much of the hour or so that I was watching with the cam in the default view of the pool, Umngani had been the only adult in sight throughout it all. She was wandering slowly around the logs and rock pile browsing for tidbits, although she never appeared to be actively supervising any of the kids. Most likely Ndlula and Luti were over in the West yard, although it was surprising and a bit puzzling as to why Swazi nor Mac never showed up at the pool. But even though Nisa really doesn’t need nor want any supervision, at least a pair of pro babysitters, Kami and Khosi, remained on duty nearby, just in case.
I was wondering if the SDZSP ever thought of getting the elephants toys? I know they don’t have toys wandering around the savannah in Africa but the elephants never seem to make the wish list that comes out monthly. The polar bears get a snow day and I think these glorious creatures need something just for them. I would go with a snow day because if Ndula hates the rain I would love to see her with snow.
So… Khosi and Msholo. She’s had a crush on him since she was just a “little girl” but of course he had no “romantic” interest in her back then–but he was kind and affectionate, as I recall, though in a shall-we-say Platonic way. And I remember him comforting her after she lost her tusk, you could almost hear him saying “That’s all right, you’re still beautiful, just like your mother” as he touched her face gently. All the ellies were sympathetic about her tusk-ordeal, and I recall Kami was clowning around the next day trying to cheer her up, when she was obviously still feeling punk. Despite all I know about ellies, I am constantly amazed at how emotionally sensitive they are. I see that there are finally research articles coming out about their empathy for each other, as if the rest of us didn’t know that already just from watching them.
I missed the birthday party–darn it. I did just see Ingadze (or was it Neepo? Hard to tell from a distance) edging closer to Msholo who was taking alfalfa(?) from a box. When he finally started reaching for some tentatively, Msholo just moved the box over a few feet and continued eating. Ingadze tried a few times, without much success, and reached up at one point to take some from Msholo’s mouth, as if he were still a little calf. Msholo good-naturedly allowed this. Don’t know if Msholo then warned him off or he just decided it wasn’t any better than the “hay” he’d been eating off the ground, but he went to the waterhole/mud-hole and stirred-it-up until he had the right consistency to spray some over himself. Umngani was nearby but seemingly wanted to be by herself for the time being. Possibly, given what I just read, she was musing on the fact that her daughter is now all-grown-up…
Uh oh indeed East Coast. Khosi is already starting to date Msholo. My goodness that is her mother’s boyfriend. The wild life is just like a soap opera. I have seen a few of the youngsters grab the hay boxes to scurry away from the adults. I guess as they get older they get a little more foreceful. I observed Luti again the other day work his way towards Msholo for some play time. It takes a long time because it is a step here and then a step there and a total nonchalent look as they work their way towards the big fella.
Uh oh….. Msholo and Khosi were ‘cavorting’ very late afternoon on Wednesday. At this time, Ndlula and Luti were alone over in the west yard and the rest of the herd was in the cam yard with Msholo. I do not know how long things may have been going on prior to that point, but most of the herd was gathered around Khosi and Msholo in a loose group on the right side of the stone structure at the far end of the cam yard. Suddenly Khosi scurried away with Msholo following after her at a distance. Most of the herd joined in the rather leisurely pursuit, unlike a few other more frenzied stampedes in past incidents. Anyway, the group finally came to a halt near the right rear side of the concrete drinking water feature by the barn end of the yard. Along with several of the youngsters, nervous observers Umngani and Swazi stood on either side of the engaged couple. It all ended fairly quickly and then the group rapidly dispersed. Also an amusing moment when leaving the scene, ornery Swazi attempted to confiscate Neepo’s hay feeder box, but he ran off with it just in time. Good for him !!!
Oooops, I came in here to see if there were any recent posts and my last one went up in smoke, or, eaten by a Gremlin.
That was the pool party I was referring to, East Coast. You saw a little more then I did though. It’s nice seeing the pool parties again, though I do miss our Musi and Msholo pool times. The kids are getting bigger so this year we should see some action we hadn’t seen before with them. 😉
Happy Be-Lated Birthday Ingadze. I saw the remnants of a party too, East Coast. It hardly seems the boys are as grown as they are. It’s harder now to tell them apart from a distance, especially since their tusks are getting long.
Looks like Spring is in the Park, the trees are nearly full and it’s nice and green there. The days are getting warmer too, there’s a lot more, “ear waving” going on.
A very Happy Birthday to Ingadze !!!! Gosh… eight years old already….. just where does the time go ??!!!
I caught a glimpse of what appeared to be colorful decorations (?) hanging from the ceiling in the far side opening of the cam yard stone structure. Also some type of a rounded bag object was hanging by rope from the near side roof, along with what looked like to be small torn remnants of white paper. Maybe it was the aftermath of Gadze’s birthday bash ?
Happy Birthday, Ingadze!
East Coast, I loved reading about the pool party! Thanks for sharing… Erin, I’m going to check out that Google reference, sounds interesting,
Thanks for the tip about that interesting article on Musi’s tusk repairs, Erin. Nice to hear something about him. As I recall, in past years SDZSP had also used some type of metal cap(s) on Khosi’s and Mabu’s tusk(s). Yes Jan… on Friday afternoon, I did see some sort of limited pool action, but I’m not sure if it was what you had seen. Anyway, Neepo had waded into the pool, trying to lure Mac and Gadze in with him by swinging and splashing his head and trunk back and forth across the water. After a while Mac finally went into the pool, appearing all fired up to do some wrestling. But Neepo seemed annoyed that Mac would not allow attacks from the rear. He walked out of the pool, leaving poor Mac alone in a state of frenzy wanting to play. Mac then came out of the water, prodding Neepo around on the pool steps where they sparred sporadically for a time. Then at one point, Luti scurried over and took over sparring with Mac along the pool sidewalk out of the water, where they continued playing for a fair amount of time. Although eventually Mac broke it off, after he seemingly became tuckered out by Luti (the larger, stronger, and more experienced sparring partner of the Big Guy Mabu). 🙂
Thanks Erin! I found an article and a very short video. Musi looks the same. I guess he’s having a good time in his new home as he’s breaking his tusks. The story is amazing as to how the cap was made. Pretty much like humans having a impression of their teeth made for their dental work.
Hoping the cap stays in place and Musi can continue with his shenanigans, he has always been an active guy.
Did anyone see the pool party yesterday? The pool looks to be half full but our Ellies could have a pool party in and inch of water! It’s the beginning of all pool parties this year.
I went on Google today and I searched for elephant and chose the news section that comes across the top. The top stories today talk about an elephant getting bling or shiny brass caps. There were stories from the Fresno Bee and an NBC affiliate. It was about Moose. Just one small spoiler. He is 8500 pounds.
Looks like rain all the way into the early hours of the morning. I wonder if the barns are open tonight. It seems the Ellies have done some skating while walking, and it sort of scary at the same time. Should an Elephant lose it’s footing that would be a hard fall. Ouch!
I saw Ndula today trying to stay dry, I think your right, Erin, she’s not a fan of rain. She certainly wouldn’t like the snow. I love our snows here in the north, but somehow I don’t picture an Ellie in the snow. But wouldn’t snowmen make a great place to put browse in! Branches for arms, apples for eyes and so on. That would be a hoot!
What a wet day out in Escondido today. Now it looks like it has stopped but it is very sloppy in the elephant habitat. I do believe Ndula is not a real big fan of the rain. She did spend a lot of time underneath the rock structure trying to stay dry. As they say at least it isn’t snow. I would pay to see how the herd would respond to the white stuff.
I had seen Luti’s several short but wary attempts to spar with Mabu despite their ridiculous difference in size. The Big Guy had been very persistent trying to get Luti to engage, including a few gentle tugs at his tail, therefore Luti may have been intimidated into obliging Mabu, at least for a few short rounds. Unfortunately no matter how gently Mabu tried to spar, his huge head simply overpowered Luti. But kudos to a brave Luti for at least trying. Rainy day today, especially for poor Ndlula who so far had to relenquish several hay feeder boxes to Swazi.
LOL, at Luti’s opponent being ten times his size, Erin!
I saw him today being full of it. It was a nice day in the park.
Luti was full of bravado this afternoon. I have seen him engage with Mabu four times today. Granted the contest really doesn’t last too long when your opponent is about ten times your size. Nevertheless Luti was giving it a try.
Happy, be-lated Birthday, Musi!
How cute that Neepo was able to persuade Mama U to go back to the pool! I loved hearing that story Erin, thanks for sharing it. I see Neepo trying to nurse every now and then. I think just yesterday (Saturday) he tried to. That said, it looks like Luti has been done for awhile.
East Coast, I’ve noticed Mabu and Msholo out in the yards at the same time as well. They don’t seem to be bugged by one another since they’ve calmed down from their heightened musth days. Yesterday, it was nice to see, Msholo and his love, Mama U and the kids sharing some browse.
Neepo. I will always have a soft spot for him because I found this camera not too long before he was born. Two things I won’t forget from when Neepo was a little guy. He was snoozing under the rock structure and Mama U was watching over him. She only shifted her body weight and immediately a sleeping Neepo pushed out his two front legs to make sure Mama U was still there.
The second thing that happened was during a pool party. Again Neepo was so small but he was having a blast. Then Mama U decided she had enough and got out. Neepo got out but the guy was torn as to what he should do. All his pals were playing but his mother was leaving. A hard decision but he followed his mother off screen. In no time at all he came running back and right into the pool and Mama U followed to stand at the edge of the pool and watch.
When I saw that I really did think they had a language because somewhere off camera and somehow Neepo was able to get his mother back to the pool area so he could go back and play with his pals.
Thanks for the Neepo update, Jan! Haven’t been able to watch as much as usual, lately…
Happy Birthday, a little late but at least it’s still “the day” (9:20 PM EST), to Musi.
Happy 13th Birthday to ‘Musi at Fresno Chaffee Zoo ! Hopefully it was him that I had seen earlier on the other side of their cam yard pool.
Lana…. I still have noticed Neepo trying to nurse in very recent past days. Umngani sometimes will extend her front her leg out to accomodate him, although at other times she slowly spins around and slips away from him. Neepo still does make fleeting attempts to nurse after first probing around underneath mom with his trunk, but he soon gives up when he finds that he is just too big. I have been watching Neepo since his birth and I too am surprised at how physically large he is now. But I am not surprised about his seemingly strong minded behavior among his peers, as well as toward mom and the two Big guys. Ever since he was a baby, while growing up he has had mom and his baby sitters wrapped around his little trunk . Also yesterday afternoon I believe that I observed both Mabu and Msholo out in their yards at the same time, at least for a short period.
East Coast, that’s an insightful idea about the safety of the “bystanders” when Msholo and Mabu are charging back and forth. I haven’t tuned in at the right times to see that, in the past, and it wouldn’t have occurred to me. (Even though I’ve seen wild mother ellies leading their calves away at a good clip, when musth bulls were around, on webcam.) I was thinking about the fact that you noticed only the four ellies you mentioned were in with Mabu, as a rule. Part of that may be that Khosi and Kami are getting old enough to be interesting to Mabu, and of course since they’re his daughters, that’s definitely to be avoided. Neepo of course would stay with his mother, at his age. Re: Luti and Ndlula, Luti would still be with his mother in the wild for a few years yet, even though they’d be starting to “get on each other’s nerves,” so I don’t think they’ll be separated any time soon. So… Umngani was flirting with Mabu today? Hmm… Also wonder if that may be why Ndlula is part of that group just now? Of course they do divide the herd in various ways from time to time, which would happen in the wild when families split up to browse over an open area.
How is Umngani’s weaning of Neepo coming along? Last I saw, a few days ago, she’d relented briefly. (It surely must just be a “comfort” thing for him nowadays.) What was very touching, was that after a couple of minutes, Neepo stopped nursing and came around to caress her face with his trunk, very clearly saying “thank you.” I still can’t believe what a big boy he’s gotten to be. I remember how tiny he was, and how I called him “Baby” in my notes because he didn’t have a name yet. Except for a few intervals on WE (Djuma game drives and misc’ waterholes), I hadn’t been able to watch ellies “live”–and obviously those viewings were limited in both time and scope–and watching the ellies just doing all their everyday-life things at SDZSP was one wonderful discovery after another. It still is!–after all these years, they still astonish me some days.
From what I have been able to observe lately, it seems as if Msholo and Mabu may no longer be let out into their respective yards at the same time, as in the past? If that is the case, I assume it is being done for the safety of all Ellies involved ? Obviously whenever those two big guys are charging back and forth along the wall like runaway locomotives trying to get at each other, it would be quite stressful as well as a danger to life and limb for all concerned. I also have noticed on more than one occasion, that only Umngani, Neepo, Ndlula, and Luti were in the west yard with Mabu. Also wondering if son Luti and mom Ndlula still need to be paired together ? And hopefully Umngani was successful in her attempts to get Mabu’s attention this morning.
Lana, I echo what you said about appreciating this blog. It was awhile before I joined in too, being shy. I have learned and been educated about Elephants from these blogs and what the Elephant Team has wrote. And yes, I have come to love them as if they were my own pets and I am emotionally involved.
Since I discovered the cam, the Ellies have been a part of my everyday life. I don’t think I have ever missed a day of not seeing them.
Thanks for sharing, Jan! I missed all of it, in spite of checking-in several times during the day. Glad at least one of us got to see it and tell the others about it! Thankful we have this blog for postings. I remember when I first discovered it, I was just so excited and amazed. I read the comments for a long time before I finally decided to participate. Thank you, SDZSP, for providing us with this opportunity to discuss the ellies–it enhances the “elephant experience” so much to be able to share it with people who are as fascinated and emotionally involved as we are. We’ve seen so many wonderful things to share with each other and with the readers who are too shy to “join.” And, of course, we always love it when one of the Elephant Team, or the monitor, has something to tell us! Thank you to the keepers for making it a special day for the ellies and the viewers who were lucky enough to be watching at the “right” time.
It figures that even though I was watching the ellie cam for most of this morning, I still missed seeing the combo of Luti’s Birthday/Valentine’s Day celebration that took place during the short time I was away from the computer. But it was great that you saw and shared it with us Jan.
I saw the aftermath with white paper streamers and a sign still up on the roof of the rock shelter, and also ellies playing with remnants of red cardboard cutouts + streamers strewn around the yard. Also I caught a glimpse of a backhoe work crew on the upper ground level on the left side of the pool, who were seemingly on lunch break watching the ellies. Thanks to the efforts of the Keepers, obviously this has been a fun day for Ellies and humans alike.
Happy Birthday, Luti!!
It was a fun mid-morning, for the Ellies when they arrived in the east yard. Lots of wonderful, creative treats from the Keepers. Not sure they celebrated Luti’s Birthday, or Valentines Day ….. Maybe both. Though we all know the Ellies own our hearts. The Keepers went all out and did a bang-up job. Streamers, gift boxes stacked 3 high and branches of browse all over the place.
I’m not sure but maybe Ndula and Luti were let in the yard first to celebrate his Birthday alone for awhile and then the others were allowed in? Did anyone see?
Laughed at Ndula who had a streamer caught on her tusk or trunk. Then Msholo did the be-bop walk towards one of the little ones who had a cardboard treat box and the little one picked it up and carried it off, just out of reach. Msholo pursued and the little Ellie gave up the box.
Nothings left now but the remnants of the Birthday/Valentines Day party. Thank you Keepers! 🙂
Yes…… Happy 7th Birthday to Luti !!!
Happy Birthday to Luti!
Just taking a moment to say I am enjoying the cam this morning. The Ellies are at the end of the east yard by the rock shelter, browsing around and the sun is shining warmly. I see the Rhino’s in the back ground, lolly-gagging down the road as the Girafff’s stand by. I would imagine this is what life is like in Africa. Just beautiful and oh so very peaceful. 🙂
Thank you can operator.
Love that story about Kami, Erin, and you told it so well that I could see it all “in my mind’s eye.” Thanks for sharing!
I have been popping in and out today and have been catching the herd eating and eating. It reminded me of the time about 2 years ago when Kami found a massive pile of hay by the rock structure in the big yard. I must have watched her for 30 minutes and not one other elephant came by. She had the pile to herself. She started popping that hay in quickly and as time passed she began to slow down. Then she began to play with the hay before she ate it and eventually she began to lean against the rock structure while she tried to eat more. I honestly think Kami had that look we all get when we have eaten way too much and wish we hadn’t. Then she walked away and left lots of hay behind. I never would have thought I would see the day an elephant had too much to eat.
Jan, I too would miss Emanti! I think he’d be all right with another herd, because he would be the only “adult” bull with females and calves. In the wild… I’ve read conflicting information about tuskless males, one place said they rarely had a chance to breed and another said that because they didn’t have tusks, they developed other ways to assert themselves in strength-testing contests. Plus of course there might not always be any competition in the area. It wouldn’t be necessary for Emanti to vie with another male, in captivity, since the mature bulls would be kept apart as are Msholo and Mabu at present. But I just hate to think of the little guy “far away.” Since he’s related (half-brother to Khosi and Qinisa, full brother to Kami) to the younger females at SDZSP, I’m sure they wouldn’t use him for breeding here. (Somehow can’t quite picture him romancing Swazi or Ndlula or Umngani, either! I can just imagine Swazi saying “Get outta here, kid!” rather than giving him–in a Mae West rumble–a “Come up and see me sometime.”) We do get so emotionally involved with our ellies! But isn’t that the whole point, to recognize and empathize with intelligent, sensitive creatures and appreciate them for what they are? Maybe scientists have to be objective, or try to, but we can just let ourselves feel what we want to feel, and care about them as individuals.
And no matter how much great stuff I read about ellies, there’s still nothing more wonderful than watching them “live” on web-cam, sometimes doing things you–or anyone–may only see once in a lifetime. Like the day when Qinisa was tiny and dawdling and when she decided to join Swazi, the fence (the one around the “small yard” beyond the “waterhole”) was between them. She ran up to the fence in a panic, I’m sure she was screaming the “lost baby!” squeal frantically. Swazi, in her usual casual way, paused and looked back and she surely SAID something to Little Q, because that baby suddenly turned and ran along the side of the fence and through the gate without a moment’s dithering over what to do. She was “safe” with her mother within a few seconds. Or the time one of the boys–I forget which one, too long ago–kept throwing a disc-toy or a big pan over the fence and trying to reach it from various between-rail levels, just to see if he could–making up a rather complicated game to test his own abilities. Dozens and dozens of things in five-plus years that I’ve only seen once. I wonder what I’ve missed (beyond what gets posted here) in all those years when I haven’t been on-line!
Lana, I think like you. I miss Musi, I wonder/worry about all the boys future and I think about how Msholo may miss his Buddy to play spare with.
Some time ago, Curtis mentioned they may have to have a “bachelor” herd in one of the blogs. It was in passing that he said it I’m sure, but I’m sure SDZSP has had to do some thinking on the subject as the time is nearing that the boys are maturing. We witnessed how Mabu and Msholo reacted to each other across the passage-way, while they were in musth. I think it went well, but there was a divider between them.
I will miss Emanti, and without tusks, I wonder how he would fair in another herd if put on loan.
East Coast, thanks for sharing the enrichment story! Wish I had seen that!
Hard to believe that Luti will be seven years old! I was thinking there was more than one birthday in February… I see the other is Musi. Even though he could be an awful pest–especially to poor Umngani–I do miss the big guy. I imagine Msholo misses sparring with him, too. It’s true that animals live in the moment, to some extent, but elephants remember–even if they do shunt a lot of it to the back of their minds until/unless they need to access it. So I suspect he does think about Musi occasionally, when he has a yen for a pushing-match and there’s only “little boys” or the ladies to indulge him a bit. In the wild maybe he and Mabu would have a friendly relationship as long as neither one of them was in musth, but I don’t see anything like that happening in captivity. Way too risky for all concerned! There’s nowhere to escape from each other if things go wrong… Which makes me wonder again about what will happen when all the “little boys” are grown up. Will SDZSP have a bull herd? Or will they “farm out” the bulls for SSP breeding? Oh my goodness but I will miss Neepo if he goes somewhere on loan! At least it won’t happen for several years, so I will “shunt that to the back of MY mind.”
I wonder if they’ll have a “party” for Luti’s birthday, since it’s Valentine’s Day?
East Coast, that would of been a hoot to watch. Thanks for sharing it as I didn’t catch that but wished I had. I love it when the Ellies receive enrichment of a strange kind. Such as giant robots!
One day last week, I think it was raining then, I saw Mama N in the west yard, at the rock shelter. She was stretching her trunk up and around the crooks and crannies looking for browse with Luti close by in case something fell he would grab it.
Speaking of Luti, the boy has a Birthday coming up.
An ‘enrichment event’ took place this Sat. morning in the West yard. The center piece was a tall tower made of 3 stacked cardboard cartons (refrigerator box on the bottom, medium size box in the middle, with a smaller rectangular box on top). I don’t know what it was supposed to be, but in my wild imagination it seemed to represent some sort of giant robot. Luti was the first to ‘engage’ the tower but seemed a little wary of it at first. Then he tried to pull out a small sprig of leafy browse but knocked off the top small box in the process. Mom Ndlula quickly took over and made short work of dismantling the cartons and sampling their contents of what appeared to be alfalfa hay, some bamboo shavings, and possibly pellet treats as well? After a while Ndlula walked away and Umngani and Po scurried over to check it out. Meanwhile, a keeper continued to take a cell phone video of the action. I don’t know if the enrichment was for some special occasion, but it sure was fun to watch.
Jan and East Coast, I sure wish I could have seen Emanti climbing out of the pool, although I’d probably have had my heart in my throat like I did when I saw Kami walking across the log-pile a couple of years ago! I’ve wondered about closed-circuit “TV” in the barns, etc., and whether anyone keeps tabs on even the yards during the night. (Ever since I read about a heart-rending situation in, I think it was New Zealand–if someone had been monitoring a security camera or whatever, the calf’s life might have been saved.) If Emanti had succeeded in getting out, he might have had a hard time getting back into the pool… elephants can’t (literally, for physical reasons) jump. He would probably have had to sort of crawl over the edge, one leg at a time or something, until enough of him was over it so that he could sort of plop into the water. Very glad we didn’t have to agonize over a situation like that! Ele physical limitations or not, though, I love the visual image of Emanti shouting “Cannonball!” Erin! Too funny!
Erin, it would have been a smash to have seen Emanti, jump as high into the air as he could and proceed with a Cannonball. When I was little, I tried a cannonball and rather than yell, “Cannonball,” I went to yell “Geronimo” but got so excited I yelled “Geranium!”
I was actually relieved that Emanti didn’t escape to the platform, as I hated for him to freak out when he realized he was separated from the other Ellies. I would of hated for him to have hurt himself trying to get back to them. While saying that, I wonder if one of the Mama’s would have come to his rescue? Such as Swazi, being the matriarch. I don’t think he could of pulled himself out of the pool in that position, but not knowing that for sure had me holding my breathe. I thought, geesh, in a situation like that, who do you call? LOL. I wonder if the Keepers watch, or check the cam after they go home. Or, while their at work, do they have access to the cams in the barn where they see the yards and can watch the Ellies should something happen that they would need to attend to. Maybe they have their own cams.
I wish I could have seen Emanti almost get out of the pool and onto the deck. If he had I keep thinking he would have had to jump back in and I could almost hear him shout “CANNONBALL”.
Yes Jan, I did see the pool party in the west yard when Emanti was close to crawling out of the pool onto the rear platform area. I think he may have even succeeded if he could have somehow pushed himself up and out further with his hind legs on the back of another Ellie. It was amusing to watch, but just as well that he did not get out and risk possible injury. But Emanti sure is a wild guy!
Cute assumption, Lana. I didn’t see what you shared, but loved hearing about it. Thanks.
There was a pool party in the west yard last night in the rain and I was worried Emanti was going to crawl right out of the pool. Anyone see him? He was reaching into the rocks for something, maybe some wild growth of grass or greenery. He had his front feet on the flat, concrete platform and much of his body laying over doing so. It looked like all he had to do was pull one of his knees up to and on the ledge and he could maneuver, up and over. I wondered what he might do had he done that. Of course there’s concrete posts with cable so he can’t get out of the yard, but the only way to get off the concrete would to be to jump back into the pool. It was very interesting to watch. One of the other Ellies, was at his side but I couldn’t tell who. They were just stretching their trunk to get to what Emanti was after. I thought it would of been interesting for the Keepers to come in the morning and there stood Emanti on the other side of the pool where he obviously didn’t belong. Someone would have had to coax him out of there. 🙂
I see that Neepo is still trying to persuade Umngani to let him nurse. She is very patient but adamant. Once in awhile when he got too persistent, she gently nudged him away. You can tell she is sympathetic but determined. It’s quite interesting to see how she handles it–very much the sweet mother, not impatient and grouchy about it, but letting him know that he’s a big boy now and it’s time to be weaned. I can just hear him saying, “But LUTI kept nursing until…” etc. I get the impression from Ingadze reaching over to pat him today that ‘Gadze was telling him he was lucky, that he–‘Gadze–was only a couple of years old when HE had to stop nursing, because Neepo was born.
I have noticed in the mornings, that Mabu and Msholo have these marks/spots on them. They almost look like chalk marks and they are spread out. It looks like they have rubbed their heads on something or in something. Possibly against the concrete. They are on the side of their heads and on the foreheads. However, this morning Msholo had one that covered his whole side as well. So maybe when they’re laying down they are rubbing themselves on the ground when they get up and it leaves the marks? One day last week, Mabu only had the mark on his forehead.
I saw Mabu have some fun with Emanti the other day. Luti had given up the ghost with Mabu when Emanti gave it a go. I laughed because all Mabu had to do was walk and Emanti was sliding backwards all the way across the yard. The ground was all wet and muddy. It was quite comical to see.
Recently I have seen assorted Ellies enjoying the muddy conditions, while many others were treading very gingerly walking around in the more slippery areas of the muddy yards. Swazi was inching along slipping and sliding in the area between the small log by the cam yard pool and the main gate. She also had difficulty keeping her footing on a wet grassy slope while leaning forward to retrieve a browse branch with her trunk.
Mabu continues to try to engage Luti in play, while Luti has responded a few times by gently tusking with the big guy. Although he is still very cautious considering the huge difference in their size.
Mabu got down on the ground to tusk with Umngani, and afterward Neepo took a short turn playing with him as well.
A little strange, but occasionally I have seen Umngani seemingly walk out of her way to greet Luti and gently trunk with him for a short while.
I see that some type of log structure is being constructed beyond the far end of the cam yard on the right side of the lower level area .
Thank you Monitor, for replying that the animal cams are still operated by a dedicated and well trained group of volunteers.
Many thanks to the cam operators as well.
Lana, I may have seen the same thing. When they were up at the east barn, and they were at the rock sticking out of the ground by the water saucer? I too have thought the same things about Umngani, it was nice to hear you say that. She’s “Lady-like”, and dainty at times. I see why Msholo has an interest in her. lol. She is a beautiful Elephant and her features compliment her even more.
I like to see the kids waddle in the mud, roll in the dirt and rear up and wave their trunk around. They are a happy bunch and seem to celebrate life to it’s fullest!
Ohh, and thank you Monitor for your note. Natural showers are fun too.
The ellies are loving the “natural” mud today! First I saw Ndlula scuffing it and spraying it on herself, then later Umngani was there doing the same but making it look elegant. She is so beautiful–not just her tusks, but something she does with the way she holds her head and her ears. (Maybe, too, a little more flexible around the neck than the average ele, so she sort of tilts her head?) Neepo came to join her, snuggled a bit (I suspect trying to cajole her into letting him nurse) and then started kicking mud and spraying it and twice he sat down in it and waved his trunk around. I love it when they do that. Eventually both he and Umngani went their separate ways for the time being.
Today I have seen all the young elephants fooling around by the large log at the pool. It looks like a miserable day in Escondido. The elephants seem to be enjoying the muddy day. I watched a show on the BBC called My Elephant Family and Me. To make a long story short they followed an ex orphan herd from the Sheldrick Trust. The elephants found a mud hole and for a laugh they sprayed the cameraman. He said it smelt just awful. So San Diego how often do you shower and scrub the herd so they are not as stinky as the wild or are they?
Monitor’s note: We don’t shower or scrub them regularly—they have a pool for bathing and, on days like today, a natural shower (rain). 🙂
Something to ponder Erin. It looks like Ingadze has grown to me as well. Sometimes, when the cam is not zoomed in, you don’t know if your looking at one of the adults or not, until they turn face forward. I would of loved to seen Musi act that way back in the day, but you never know, Ingadze may follow in Musi footsteps.
Lots of rain this morning. I haven’t seen all Ellies, only Swazi and her family in the rain, along with Emanti and Mabu . They’re in the west yard, and when the cam did a sweep earlier, the Keepers were cleaning the east yard, so no Ellies there. Maybe they’re in the pen at the barn. I haven’t seen Kami, as she’s usually with Emanti. Swazi has been digging a hole with her foot before the pool in the west yard. As if they don’t have enough dirt piled up! As she does, she tusks the ground, and Mac is tusking the dirt also. Poor Emanti can’t tusk the ground so he bugs Mac to play. Nisa is digging some too but now Swazi is out of sight and Nisa has followed and only Mac and Emanti are left. The boys are having a good ole time wallowing in the mud play sparring. Emanti is going at Mac at the side of his head, pushing and butting him so I wonder if this is new, that Emanti has fingered out a safe way to spar/play and not get poked by his opponents tusks? Emanti is holding his own though and giving some good defense pushes back at Mac. They gave up the wallow and play and Emanti gingerly walked over to Swazi and backed into her so I wonder what that was about.
The cam did a sweep up the west yard, near the barn and I see Mabu, Swazi, her kids and Emanti, I still don’t see Kami? I have yet to see Mama U and N with their families. The cam has moved now to the east yard to the rock shelter and there are the other adults with their kids, who are all dry, so they must have been in the barn. I also seen Neepo nurse. And now I see Kami! She is dry too.
I am not sure but I think Ingadze is having a growth spurt. All of a sudden he seems to be as tall as Khosi. I am looking forward to seeing if Ingadze is going to act the same as Moose around 8 or 9 years old. When Moose was around those ages I swear he was embarrassed to be seen in the company of Ndula. Whenever she came along he took off. I swear that behaviour lasted about a year. Ingadze is still hanging around his mother but I wonder if he will do the same thing.
Jan, I often think of Don, too. He shared so much knowledge about the ellies with us, as well as the videos on YouTube. So you were the one who helped him to upload them? Thank you!–from all of us. I love to look at those videos, especially the one with Kami at 16 days old, that’s pricelessly cute. Whenever I need a baby-elephant “lift” I watch that one.
Talking about how Luti would have to lie down to nurse… There was a photo of Navaan (3 years old but BIG) at the Elephant Nature Park in Thailand (it is something like the Sanctuary in Tennessee–a place for Asian elephants rescued from work, circuses, begging, and other bad situations, and elephants injured or ill or otherwise traumatized). His mother was never expected to ever get pregnant, and she was a small low-to-the-ground ele as well. Anyway, the miracle child is robust to say the least. But in this photo he WAS lying down to nurse, on his knees and tummy, it was the only way he could reach any more. So funny and so poignant when you know his mother’s story. (I cannot recall her name at the moment–they all have Thai names, and in fact one of the things Lek does when they are rescued is give them a new name for their new life.)
Actually, East Coast, maybe Msholo or Mabu actually could get over the wall with a little help from a stump or boulder, provided the stump didn’t collapse from his weight, as Jan mentioned. And that the ground wasn’t too far away on the other side of the fence. We’ve seen Kami climbing on and off that log by the pool many times, so not a whole lot of difference? Ellies are so very agile in spite of looking ponderous, and they can certainly reason things out and form “a plan” when necessary. I know that they do fill in trenches that were dug to prevent them from crossing into fields to raid the crops, which shows great intelligence and forethought–I’ve read that in several books. And Kandula (who is or was at the National Zoo in DC) is the ele who carried a block over to climb onto to get some food that was out of reach, in an experiment they ran several years ago–there’s video of that on YouTube, by the way.
I am enjoying the comeback of the Ellie fans too! I started watching the cam just after Nisa was born and I have been hooked, “literally” since! I haven’t missed a day (I even watch at work) and though I “liked” Elephants before I discovered the cam, this cam has made me fall in love with them and I have learned so much about them. I have come to appreciate Elephants in a much greater way then I ever imagined and I support them all that I can. That said, I remember the days when the blogs were more active. I can’t recall the older man’s name, who was active when I joined, but I think of him often and if he’s okay. I had the pleasure to speak to him on the phone a couple times. He had visited the park a few times and shared some DVD’s with me of the video’s he took while there. Oh yes, his name was Don Stillwell! He had given the Keepers videos as well. He was a cam operator at one time too!
Here and there, I am going through the videos on the Trunk Talk and they all are adorable. I hadn’t thought about Mabu or Msholo being able to use a tree stump to escape. I suppose anything is possible though they would have to stand on it with all fours, not sure the tree stump could hold the weight of one of those big guys. It would probably crumple. 😉
I had thought that Mama U was avoiding Neepo nursing that day because of the Keepers coming out, but after what you all have shared, I guess it’s time. Or, do you suppose she thinks she is going to be a Mama again, and she preparing? 😉 Just a thought. It wasn’t that long ago, I saw Luti nursing, maybe months past, but I haven’t seen him try lately. I honestly don’t know how much longer he could physically nurse, without having to lay down and roll over on his back to.
I missed the mud games yesterday but was nice to read about them. I also didn’t see Emanti separated. I saw him once yesterday with Swazi and Family and he always keeps his distance, while Kami is normally closer to the family. They all walked off a time later and Emanti stayed himself eating.
By the time I finally had posted a reply to earlier blog comments, I then noticed that you had already posted two more ! It’s great to see (and read) the recent increase of postings by fellow Ellie admirers. It would be even nicer if the Blog Monitor could join in with any short piece of info whenever possible.
I have noticed that over the past several months, Umngani has been seemingly lackadaisical when trying to wean Neepo , since she often has ended up simply giving in to him eventually. Although hopefully now Neepo will get the message before he breaks Luti’s nursing record. As far as I have noticed, Luti no longer indulges in that pursuit.
Yes…. Mabu and the other Reid Zoo Ellies really seemed to enjoy that large tree stump enrichment. But I wonder if a hugh stump was available to them at SDZSP, maybe Msholo or Mabu would try moving it around to use as a step stool, and climb over the wall to get at one another?! Only kidding…. I think.
Unfortunately a fixed position zoo cam does not offer the best of views, but at least it gives us a means to try to catch a glimpse of our Musi. Although over the years I have gotten spoiled by the SDZSP Ellie cam. Also I am wondering if our Ellie cam is still controlled by off-site volunteers or if it is now operated by SDZSP staff?
Monitor’s note: All of our live animal cams are operated by devoted, specially trained volunteers. And I promise to jump in with any info I can share whenever I have anything to share…which is not often! 🙂
Thanks Lana, for pointing out the Trunk Talk videos, which in turn led me to find many of other cool elephant vids which I have never seen before now. I may have caught bits of the later videos action in real time, if it had occurred after I began watching the SDZSP elephant cam in late Spring 2011. There was one video titled “Hot to Trot elephant at zoo safari” which featured quite a scary moment. Newly introduced bull Msholo, while in heated pursuit of Umoya, collided with baby (Sundzu?). Fortunately, aside from the shock of the collision, baby did not appear to suffer any serious injury.
Jan, I believe that in the “Summer Play” video, it was mom Litsemba who rushed to free little Sundzu who had become trapped among the log pile. Thanks for the cam info Erin, I also am pretty sure that it was Moose I saw on the Fresno Chaffee Zoo African Adventure cam. I also had seen rhinos in the foreground side of the lake.
[Sigh] … yesterday afternoon, I again observed that Emanti was separated inside of the smaller inner compound with gate closed. Although from the partial cam view at that time, I could not determine if Kami was with him.
Anyway, I really hope that all is okay with both of them.
Thanks Erin and Jan for the info! I just watched the Reid Park tree-stump video–wasn’t that something to see Mabu push it over! It does make for great enrichment… I know that just before Christmas, The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee was advertising for people to donate certain trees and shrubs and such, and specified that they had to be free of pesticides, etc. (I was fascinated by what they listed and by the great variety.) I’ve bookmarked the Fresno cam and will have another look at that–it was early morning when I first checked it and nothing much going on, except that it was exciting to have a new cam! I miss Musi too, even tho’ he could be an awful pest to poor Umngani.
I saw the tail end of the mud-games yesterday, just enough to see Neepo smooshing his face into the mud with his hind-end up in the air! Also he was trying to dig a little “waterhole” and Umngani came over to join him. Shortly after that everyone wandered away, but for a few minutes I saw at least 12 of the ellies at the same time, which doesn’t seem to happen very often. This morning, very early Pacific time, Neepo was trying to cajole his mother into letting him nurse, but it appears she’s decided it’s time to break the habit. I believe this is the first time she had a long enough “break” between babies to have to officially wean one of them; normally as soon as a new baby is born, the last one is no longer allowed to nurse. She’s been very indulgent with Neepo. But I think Luti must hold the record for longest-nursing among our ellies. He HAS stopped now? I haven’t seen him even trying, but I haven’t watched as much the past few months. Trying to get caught up now!
Looks as if we three and East Coast are the ele-obsessive ones. Remember how there were so many comments back when Neepo and Little Q were babies? They just seem to have slowly ebbed away. Time for a new baby! (We can hope.)
I watched a video on youtube, where the Reid Park Ellies, when Mabu was there, received a huge, giant pine tree stump. It was donated by someone nearby, who lost it in a summer storm. The Keepers had it delivered to the yard and boy, did the Ellies ever have a hay day with it! It was 16,000 pounds and set upright. Mabu turned it over one night on it’s side. The Keepers then, hid treats and such in all the in-betweens of the roots and such for enrichment. The Ellies were able to exercise their natural behaviors that they would in the wild. They were de-barking with their tusks, touching, exploring for food, and climbing on it. Then later when it was worn down the little ones could play on and over it, play sparring. What a great time they had. It would be nice if SDZSP could receive something like that every once in awhile, however they couldn’t use trees that have been growing in pesticides and fertilizers.
I’ve been watching the cam at Fresno with hopes of seeing Musi, but it appears the cam stays in one place, and the Ellies are way on the other side of the yard. I’m not sure that they can go past the water.
Oh wow, thanks Erin!!! What a great discovery, I never thought about looking in youtube. I just looked and there’s no animals in sight, except for some kind of water fowl, but it’s very early morning so maybe the animals are put up so the exhibit can be cleaned. That’s awesome that maybe now we can see our Moose buddy. I still miss him and I hope he is comfortable in his new home with his own Ladies.
Lots of rain lately for the Ellies. I looked in when it was dark and it was really coming down. It’s nice there now, as I just saw Mabu wandering about.
Lana and Jan those trunk talk videos are really good. I was on YouTube and I inserted Fresno Chaffee Zoo and they have a live cam of their African Adventure. I saw some sort of antelope type animal, an ostrich and walking from way down towards the camera an elephant. The elephant had to have been toying with viewers because the elephant only walked halfway and stopped and went back again. However the elephant was by itself so I am thinking that must have been Moose. Wish the elephant had walked all the way around the lake for a better look.
Thanks Lana, I found it! And a wealth of other videos as well. Playin’ with Papa was so adorable and heart warming. Even with Mabu getting his face sat on! They played a good while. He really enjoyed his time with the little one and they were totally connected. You have a different idea of bulls when you don’t know them or have had the opportunity to see video’s such as these. Or, see them everyday as we do on the SDZSP cam. If only ALL people could see what truly amazing, loving animals they are!
The “Summer Play” video was the one where the calf was stuck on the logs and couldn’t get up. I guess it was crying for help, or the Mama saw it but she went running to help. She looked frantic! You could see her assessing the situation and working at the best and quickest way she could, to safely free the calf and get it to it’s feet. Mama U, it looked like, came on the scene but backed off once she saw the other Mama had the situation under control. Then there’s “Wild Wednesday,” where you see all the Ellies running, spinning, ears flared and chaos all around the east yard. Don’t know what was up but they kept looking east when they stopped running. The Keepers were cleaning the west yard and I suppose they wanted to stop all the chaos before someone was hurt so they scrambled to the passageway and called them in with treats. I have to go back and watch more video’s as I’m at work, but there are so many there I hadn’t seen. I looked at, the “Babies at the gate.” The little one playing on the rock in the ground up at the barn in the east yard. And the little ones playing and even play sparring. So adorable to see. There’s another video of Mabu playing with Punga at Reid Park too.
Thanks again Lana, for pointing me in that direction.
Yesterday, Neepo wanted to nurse but Mama U wasn’t letting him. Her mind seemed to be elsewhere and then I figured it out, the Keepers coming out with treats to move them around. Mama U wasn’t having any of Neepo’s insistence to nurse and the poor little guy looked lost. I guess she figured out where she was to go and had to spin around to brush Neepo off and he grabbed her tail as she went to run to her Keeper. Neepo had hold of her tail for seconds following behind her.
Jan, while we’re talking of how huge Mabu is, etc.–I don’t know if you’ve seen this or not, it was uploaded way back in 2011. There’s an absolutely amazing and wonderful video, about 4 minutes long, recorded from the cam, of Mabu lying on the ground playing with two of the calves. I don’t know which calves, the video is from earlier that year and I only began watching the cam in late October, I think. I found a lot of videos, some of the best were at Trunk Talk. Anyway, this one–to save the time of having the monitor vet the URL–all you have to do is Google the following: Playin’ with Papa YouTube (I don’t think you even need to say Trunk Talk) Even tho’ I now know how gentle and loving the bulls can be, I am still astonished and deeply touched when I re-watch this video. Mabu was huge even then, tho’ a lot smaller than he is 6 years later!
Yes, I worry about Emanti, too. He’s such a little waif in some ways. And they are all careful around Swazi! She can be downright fierce. I remember once when she whacked poor little Neepo with her trunk; I think (I hope!) she was just reflexively reacting, that he came up on her poor-vision side and she was startled. Umngani and Khosi rushed over to comfort him… and then, I’m pretty sure it was Emanti because of their friendship (I don’t know which year it happened or I could find the pictures to refresh my memory), Emanti came and tried to console his pal. Elephants do indeed show amazing kindness and sympathy for each other, at any age. There are so many wonderful stories about little ones comforting even smaller ones, in the Sheldrick orphan-elephant Nursery in Nairobi–a one or two-year-old will “mother” a tiny baby… Sheldrick’s raises the orphans through a decade-or-more process and eventually they return to the wild, in case you don’t know about them. They leave the Nursery when they’re about 2 1/2 years old and go to one of the Reintroduction centers (there are three, in parks) where they gradually are taught–by ex-orphans and wild ellies–how to BE elephants. (Interesting note: Ex-orphan females bring “home” their wild-born babies to show-off to the “Keepers” and still-dependent orphans at the Reintro Centers! The bonds formed between the orphans and the “Keepers”–who are really like surrogate mothers–are deep and “forever,” even when the adult females and bulls are leading totally wild lives.) Between Sheldrick’s and SDZSP, I have learned so much about elephants. Not to mention all the books, videos, and documentaries, of course!
Do have a look at that You Tube video of Mabu and the calves. You’ll really enjoy it.
Emanti has always had a soft spot in my heart. I wonder/worry what will ever become of him, as we know, SDZSP can’t keep all the boys when they become, “bulls.” I’m sort of hoping, wishing and praying, that Emanti will stay at the park with Msholo, who he’s more less, grew up around. Like you said Lana, I have seen where the boys have been careful with Emanti while playing. It’s so beautiful to see, Elephants always amaze me with the kindness they show towards one another. Even now, many times you see Emanti by himself. Kimi spends a lot of time around Nisa, Swazi and Mac, and you’ll catch Emanti trying to be the fifth wheel and when he does, he’s very mindful not to get too close to Swazi. If he does, she will let him know he’s too close.
Lana, I agree, Mabu is huge! Just the massive size of his head is enormous. I favor Msholo too, as I guess I know more of him. How he plays with the boys in the pool parties and allows them to browse with him and share his enrichment boxes. He’s gentleness and his soft walk. I think he’s more bonded with the herd too.
East Coast, I’ve worried about Emanti getting tusked in the eye, too. But I think that the ellies themselves have certain “rules of engagement” with their strength-testing games. No one is trying to hurt anyone. They are just honing their skills. (I’m trying to think of a good analogy. Maybe–high school and college wrestling? Something like that, games not battles.) Even adult bulls don’t really “fight” unless they’re a bit crazy from musth. You see them sparring a lot, but they break off at a certain point, usually when the weaker one “gives up” or else, if they are really evenly matched, they just seem to decide “okay, that’s enough for now.” That said, of course, there are accidents sometimes, or one of the ellies gets carried away and gets rough because he’s too excited. But, especially here where the little bulls have grown up with each other and are together every day, the young males have pretty much established their hierarchy. Plus Ingadze and Neepo are basically the two most mild-mannered calves, among the boys. (Neepo is a bundle of mischief, I agree. He and Emanti were always close friends, altho’ Emanti went off by himself for a long time right after his mother died, wanting to be alone to grieve, and wouldn’t play with Neepo or anyone for awhile.) Luti used to be an awful bully when he was younger, but he seems to have outgrown that (or so I think, but I don’t manage to watch as much as I used to)–maybe, I’m guessing, because now he IS the “top bull” in the calf hierarchy? Or Msholo taught him some manners. (Smile) Yes, I still worry about little Emanti, even so. But if getting tusked in the eye because you haven’t got tusks to parry with, were common, there’d be an awful lot of one-tusk and no-tusk half-blinded ele bulls in the wild, I guess.
I too would love to have an update or two from the Elephant Team! But we know how busy you are. Just a wish…
Yes Jan… I agree that it would be nice to get some short comment updates about our Ellies from the Elephant Team.
Lana… this afternoon I also I saw the 3 boys Emanti, Gadze, and Neepo playing inside of the smaller fenced compound. Msholo was in the back pen with gate closed. It is somewhat worrisome for me to watch whenever Emanti is sparring with a tusked opponent. Seemingly, the tuskless Emanti could be at a defensive disadvantage at fending off possible eye injury from opponents tusks. Especially since he often plays the tough guy who rarely backs down from any sparring match. I also find it amusing that Neepo often is an instigator and quite aggressive in his play with larger tusked opponents. Although it seems that generally he smartly prefers to battle with the tuskless Emanti. :/
Enjoying the posts, Jan and Erin and East Coast, catching-me-up on what’s happening! This afternoon I actually tuned-in at a good time. Three of the boys–Emanti, and I believe the other two were Ingadze and Neepo but have a hard time (vision) telling the little bulls apart some days–were together playing. Most of the “strength-testing contest” was between the two with tusks, needless to say, but it was so touching to watch how they would let Emanti play with either (or occasionally both, all three playing) of them. It seemed to me that they were careful about where they put their tusks, and at one point Ingadze (if it was he) very deliberately made certain that they were pushing each other with their trunk-base/forehead area, just hard pushing, no fancy tusks and twists. At other times the two would touch him gently with their trunks as if to console him about his lack of tusks. I know that sounds fanciful but that’s how it looked, and given how emotionally sensitive and sympathetic ellies are, it is not impossible. Many times I’ve seen or read about a larger calf pretending that a small one was strong enough to knock it over, etc., to “let the baby win” temporarily. Anyway, they played for awhile and then drifted apart… I saw Mabu earlier and I am always stunned at the size and “presence” that big bull has. He is huge already, I can’t imagine the size he’ll be in his 40’s and 50’s! But Msholo is still my favorite of the two, he is so handsome and agile. I haven’t seen him much lately, just tuning in at the wrong times I guess.
Happy New Year to everyone!
East Coast, we may be checking in at the same times, as I’ve witnessed that myself. I’ve wondered the same thing. Hopefully, soon we’ll get some updates on our Ellies, we haven’t had any in a good long while. While we know it’s not the SDZSF’s place to keep blogs updated and such, I know they are extremely busy, it would be nice to have some updates or sharing from the Elephant Team as they used to do before.
It was nice when I signed in this morning to see ten of our Ellies all gathered up at the rock shelter in the east yard (near the Roar and Snore tents). They were all eating hay and lined up across the space of the rock shelter. It’s always wonderful to see them all together where their in a wide line so you can see them all. You could even see Giraffe’s in the back ground. What a beautiful site to behold!
Happy New Year to the Elephant Team, Elephants, cam operators and all of you!
When I checked around mid afternoon (PST) for the past two days, I have noticed that Kami and Emanti have been isolated inside of the smaller enclosure in the rear of the cam yard. This may have been going on for more than two days, but I may have just simply missed noticing it earlier. Anyway, I was wondering if someone can tell us the reason for these periods of separation of Emanti and Kami from the others?
And a Happy New Year to the Ellies, the Elephant Team, cam operators and viewers.
Merry Christmas to the Herd, Keepers and Cam operators!
Looks like a lovely Christmas Day in the park.
Well Erin, maybe it’s the calm before the storm. That is, maybe the Mama’s know something we don’t and their relishing lazy days because their may be babies on the way! Then the lazy days will have ended for awhile. One can hope, right?
Yes, enrichment ideas for Ellies are limited, but the Keepers do their best. Maybe try a mistletoe hung in the shelters, there’s still time!
Okay, it the real world. Maybe hiding those little enrichment boxes with pellets in hard to find places, such as places not-so in plain site. It would make them go on searches, and take up some time and effort. Behind logs, rocks, in the drop offs in the east yard on the sides and back of the shelter by the Roar and Snore Tents. Behind the rim of the water saucer.
I am watching my California friends and they just seem so lazy these days. I think they need something new to put a pep in their step. It must be hard to come up with enrichment ideas but SDZSP these beautiful elephants can barely move. Maybe it should rain down someday with treats. Not sure if that would work but this is my first foray into elephant enrichment.
Mabu is a great Daddy. I think he’s trying to get his boys to play so he can show them the ropes. I don’t really believe that, but it’s nice to think that he is. He does like rolling in the dirt, don’t he.
Oh my goodness. Nisa a “baby-sitter!” She still acts like a Princess. I wonder how she’ll do with that. She has learned much from Kami and Khosi, so it would be interesting to see. Just wonder how she would do with a calf stealing Mama’s attention and the milk. But she should be weaned by then.
Well, if the announcement comes anytime in the near future, I’m hoping and praying for a little girl, or a couple girls. We have enough boys.
Mabu seems to really enjoy getting down and rolling around on the ground or on a dirt pile, either to get the attention of the adult ladies and/or to get someone to play with him. He appears to be very agile, having little or no difficulty in getting back up on his feet. For sure Jan, it would be really nice if one or more of the adult females are or will soon be carrying a calf. That would be somewhat reminiscent of year 2010, when 4 newborn boys joined the herd at SDZSP. (Luti, Mac, Emanti, Sundzu). Also it would be great if Swazi was the next in line as a repeat mom, so that Princess Nisa could babysit the new royal sibling. That situation in itself, would be most interesting to observe. 🙂
Seems like, “hanky panky,” has become the “norm” East Coast, for the west yard these days. Hoping that all this means we’ll hear an announcement in the near future,” that a baby Ellie is on the way. Wouldn’t it be marvelous if it was more than one adult carrying a bundle of joy! I think the Keepers would be besides themselves! That said, I’m sure they will do tests to see who the Daddy is, although, I haven’t seen hanky panky in the East yard as of late. Unless I haven’t caught it? I think we’d be surprised it came up that Swazi was the one to have a baby. 😉
Every now and then you catch Msholo and Mabu giving each other the eye across the passage way. I wonder how much longer they’ll be in Musth.
Further ‘hanky panky’ took place in the west yard today. At the time I was watching, Mabu was in hot pursuit of Umngani. Often many in the herd scurried behind to keep up with the action, as is their usual behavior in these situations. But also for their own safety, some ellies apparently were preoccupied with trying to keep out of the path the runaway Umngani-Mabu freight train. During a short lull in the antics, Swazi also stepped in trying to get his attention. Although I never saw if Swazi eventually was successful in getting the full interest of Mabu, I did see that mom U certainly did so.
I finally saw what your referring to, Erin. That’s a weird looking, whatever. Not sure what it is.
East Coast I saw Mabu trying to get Luti to play. I am amazed how big Mabu is. When he’s down you really can tell. Unless of course, he’s standing next to another Ellie.
I love seeing Nisa continue some of her, “little girl,” antics. Like while she’s eating next to Swazi and walks in front of her Mom, between Swazi’s trunk and body. And she usually does it in a sort of slinky, mischievous walk. It always looks like Swazi gives her a look too.
Sad to see the pool parties have ended for the winter. The pools down to being shallow. By the way, I noticed some enrichment boxes chained to tree logs. Maybe to keep them out of the pool.
Fascinating about Mabu et al. Thanks Jan and Erin and East Coast. I’ve missed so much lately! And I see tonight that we can watch on Internet Explorer again?
New object in the elephant yard. It is tied to the steel bars down near the end of the large enclosure. It is either a round scratching post or a very big elephant tambourine. Something new means two elephants at the same time must be at the object. Sort of what is yours is mine and what is mine is mine. I wonder what it is.
When I tuned in this morning Mabu was attempting to entice Luti to tusk play in front of the stone structure in west yard. Luti did one of his little front leg hops, but otherwise appeared to be very reluctant to mess with the big guy. But that is not too surprising, since in the cam view Mabu’s massive head alone, appeared to be three quarters the size of Luti’s entire body ! Mabu continued with his interaction with Luti, while backing up until he reached the area behind the dirt pile on left side of the yard. Luti walked over to join him, followed closely behind by a nervous mom Ndlula. She stayed nearby to observe, but smartly she did not try to interfere. Mabu then went over and flopped down on top of the dirt pile. He rolled around flailing his head and in short time he basically flattened the soil mound. During that time, Luti occasionally but gingerly would reach out to Mabu. But all attempts to entice Luti to engage did not succeed, and soon he slowly walked away followed by mom. Poor Mabu looking quite disappointed, struggled to his feet to follow along. Then suddenly, right in front of Mabu’s face, Ndlula started to spar with Luti herself. The rebuked Mabu then turned his attention toward intently observing over the wall into the cam yard. A short time later after he was put back in his holding area, the keepers did a yard switch into the east yard. Although Luti was held back inside the main gate corridor for examination or training which took place out of cam view. Anyway it became even more apparent to me that now both big bulls are currently without a compatible sparring partner to possibly help vent some of their frustration.
Erin, you are so right! This behavior you, I and others are witnessing, can be called a “once in a lifetime” thing. You almost would have to see this in the wild, which I believe most of us will ever see. Yesterday, I saw Msholo burying his face in that huge tree trunk. I understand that bulls will tusk the ground, when their in musth. as it helps them feel better. Then he disappeared quickly to the gate, as you said, to do a stare down with Mabu, who was standing on the other side.
It looks to me, Msholo engages more than Mabu. Mabu seems a little more mellow about it but I’m sure, having fathered as many calves as he has, he has lots of confidence.
I am learning a lot about bulls through this as I’ll never see this anywhere else! I wished there was sound, so if there’s any rumblings, we’d hear it too. But I guess I should be grateful for this much. 🙂
Late this afternoon Ndula and Luti were moved into the smaller enclosure and the rest of the elephants stayed in the big yard. In that yard was Msholo and the camera operator had a real good close up of him by the tree trunk by the pool. It looked like he was scratching his face when all of a sudden he spun around and took off with the speed of a cheetah. The camera operator went with him and he had bolted over to the gate because staring at him from the other side with his face up was Mabu. It is so exciting when these two big boys get all huffy and territorial with each other. I just don’t think they are ever going to be friends. When you watch you never know what you might see and seeing that was quite exciting.
East Coast, I would say your right about what bulls are in what yard. Mabu, I find, is always in the west yard, thus, the yard he was re-introduced to the herd in. We’ve seen him several times in that area on the west side in small area adjacent to the west yard. Perhaps, where he stayed in quarantine when he arrived at SDZSP. I’ve only seen Msholo in the east yard. I tell him apart by his ears, as they have more wear and tear on them and he is missing that plug on the right top of his ear you spoke about. Mabu has a much more massive head. But there, if your only seeing one bull at a time, they are both massive!
The day I saw Mabu having interest in the young girls and trying to mate, I did see Kami and Emanti separated from the heard and put in the east yard after Mabu had mated her. I’m sure the Keepers didn’t see that coming. However, Khosi remained and Mabu’s interest went to her.
As I watch both Msholo and Mabu on the cam, I’m learning how two bulls can be different and have their own personalities and how their instincts are the same. While there’s levels of familiarity between the two, it’s so very interesting to observe. We’ve seen the female adults each day, the calves, the difference in the boys and girls, but now we get to see two bulls. It’s like a once in a lifetime chance!
Jan…. I had been wondering about the ellie groupings today, but your observation about Mabu’s amorous attentions to Kami and Khosi might possibly explain why they were put in the cam yard with Msholo. Also logical that their bros Emanti and Gadze were included to keep the two girls company. I would also assume that Kami and Khosi are still too young and small to allow mating at this time. Erin… A couple of ways to I.D. Msholo: a small notch hole about midway along the bottom edge of his left ear. Also appears to be a missing segment gap in the top skin flap that curves over along the very top edge of Msholo’s right ear (if that makes any sense). Mabu has longer tusks which also flare out at a wider angle on his broader more massive face/head. Also Mabu performs some pretty funny twisting fiddling motions with his trunk and also he frequently rests it on his tusk. Also, I am not totally certain, but so far I have observed Msholo has been put only in the cam yard and Mabu only in the west yard?
Jan this past week there was some hanky panky in the elephant yard. I truly think it was one of the younger girls but since everyone was crowded around I couldn’t tell what girl it was in the mix. I thought if it was a younger girl then the bull had to be Msholo. Elephants in the zoos must be listed in a stud book to know who is who and what is what. Maybe someday blood lines could mix when the elephants are tenth cousins twice removed or something along those lines. With Mabu back in town they have to dye the tail hairs between the two big boys. I think Mabu’s tusks are a bit longer but sometimes I am just not sure which big fellow I am looking at in the yard.
I didn’t see this at all today. I looked in several times, obviously at the wrong times. Thanks for sharing East Coast and Erin, that would have been something to see.
I’ve seen a lot of action the last too weeks in the yards. Mabu after Kami, then Khosi, in that sort of way. I’m was thinking at the time, they are too young. I know very little about these things, and if I know anything it’s reading about it and generally these things I find are about Elephants in the wild. So, not sure how mating applies in captivity as far to age wise. Or, interbreeding, if that should happen.
Mabu appears to be in Musth, I’ve seen him a few times tusking the dirt pile and ground. It appears the Ladies are as interested in Mabu as he in in them. Maybe in a few months there will be an announcement that a baby is on the way. It could be maybe more than one Ellie is expecting due to recent events.
I guess it’s safe to say it’s a good thing Musi is out on loan. Where would they put 3 Bulls! Speaking of Musi, I hope he’s doing well, we still miss him.
East Coast I saw a bit of that action with Msholo and Mabu. I saw Msholo charging to the main gate and when he pulled up a lot of dust got kicked up. I saw him charge that way again to the gate and look at Mabu who was looking back. I never saw the wall walk between the two. I guess these two guys will never be in the same yard with each other. Both want to be number 1. I once watched a show called Zoo Diaries and one of the keepers at the Toronto Zoo was speaking about some lion Cubs the zoo had and she happened to say boys are a space issue.
Wow… quite a bit of action … around 12 noon (PST) today, Kami, Emanti, Khosi, and Gadze were alone in the cam yard with Msholo, while the rest of the herd was over in the west yard with Mabu. At one point I saw Mabu and Msholo racing along opposite sides of the wall like two runaway locomotives. When they reached the main gate area, they stopped short to glare and size up each other through the bars. Both looked quite agitated and tempers flared during their futile attempt to get at one another through the locked gate corridor. Thankfully, most of the other ellies were uninterested and stayed far away from it all, Soon the cam panned around to show the left side of the cam yard away from that action. Then as the cam later panned back around, the 2 big boys were now slowly following each other back and forth along the wall, in a much less aggressive manner than before. They kept this up for quite a while, and every so often, Msholo would walk to the far end of the yard to get a hay snack. Appeared as if he was attempting to cool down a bit from the exhausting confrontations with Mabu.
I had trouble on IE, W7 trying to tune in yesterday, maybe Tuesday too. Can’t remember. Had trouble today with IE W7. I am one of those avoiding W 10 for as long as I can. I could however, watch the Ellies on Google, and on my iPhone ios10. So I didn’t have any withdrawal symptoms from not being able to see the Ellies.
I have noticed on Google and my iPhone, the video area of the template has a speaker icon!!! Sooooooooo, what does that mean? Is there sound in the future??? It also says, “live.” There’s new equipment in the passageway too, that was put in this summer. Those odd looking things on a tri-pod? They almost look like water sprinklers, but we know they’re not. So who knows what’s in store for us Ellie Fans!!!
Something is up with updates either on the cam or the computer brain because before yesterday I could not watch the elephant cam on my tablet and then yesterday it worked like a charm. I think whatever happened is a good thing because now I don’t have to drag around the computer.
Jan, the cam window looks different to me, too. My first thought when I saw the “new look” (on Windows, just the cam window blacked-out but the spinning wheel) was that they had been updating it in some way. I’m trying to remember when–I think it was yesterday but might have been this morning–I kept getting “cannot display this page” messages. Since I tend to have that problem when Windows is messing-around, I just didn’t worry about it then. Be nice if the monitor could tell us whether it’s them or us! But, as you say, as long as we can see our ellies, that’s all that matters.
Lana… I did not get any Microsoft Windows updates today. So I wonder if possibly there was some sort of video software update for the Elephant cam ? The cam window itself appears slightly different than before, at least within the Chrome browser. Maybe the Monitor can answer that question? But whatever the case, it’s good that we can see our Ellies again !
Thank you, Jan, Erin, and East Coast! I still can’t get the cam on Explorer (don’t know if it’s 11 or earlier version) on Windows 7 (and had a Windows update earlier, grr, I blame them) and yes, since early afternoon. But I CAN get it on Chrome, which I just tried thanks to your info and would never have thought to try on my own! Haven’t had Chrome all that long and don’t automatically go there. So I can watch now, thank you all! I was, to say the least, agitated to be “cut off” from my ellies!
I can confirm the elephant cam works with Chrome and also with Microsoft Edge.
Lana… I can no longer get the Elephant cam using Internet Explorer 11 in Windows 7 since early this afternoon. Flashplayer has been updated to the latest version but error message on cam window area says “Unsupported video “. Although I can view the Elephant cam using Chrome browser, and strangely enough the Tiger cam is accessible using Windows I.E. 11. Can anyone out there connect to the Elephant cam using I.E 11 browser?
I just got on now and the cam is working fine at my end. Kami looked like she was half asleep lying over the dirt pile right this minute
Am I the only one having problems getting the cam?
Jan and Erin, thanks for sharing all that! I sure have missed a lot lately. (Not my fault, though.) I did see some interaction between Ndula and Khosi, however–maybe the same as Erin did. I wonder if that may have something to do with the hierarchy in the herd, now that Khosi is a “young lady” and not a calf any more? Or are they really just being playful? Or a combination of both–playing with a purpose? I noted that Umngani was paying attention to what they were doing but didn’t intercede or interfere in any way–whether because she knew it was okay, or because it’s a necessary social sorting-out, or just maybe that Ndula out-ranks her? Apparently Swazi didn’t think it was a problem, or I presume she would have been over there to put a stop to it, and Khosi didn’t seem to be particularly distressed altho’ she did move off by herself briefly a couple of times as if to defuse the situation–but she was back again pretty quickly.
I did finally see Mabu. He is absolutely massive now. I wonder if he’s not a few years older than Msholo (all the ellies are around the same age but it was just guesswork when they were originally taken from the cull at Kruger, I think). Though he could simply be larger due to genetics, I suppose, like Umngani is a rather “petite” ele compared to the other females. (Again, however, she might be a couple of years younger?) Interesting to see how the Team is doing mix-and-match with the herd, and that both Msholo and Mabu are getting “family time,” as it were. So glad Msholo isn’t “exiled!”
I saw the end of some enrichment the other day when they all had huge “fronds”–maybe banana leaves? Happy, happy ellies! I think it was Umngani I watched, finding leaf after leaf. She’d put her foot on the base of the stem and then strip off hunks of the leaf itself, very neatly and methodically.
Boy I sure missed out on a lot of elephant hijinks lately. Just the luck of the draw. I did catch the other night Ndula going after Khosi again. I think it is funny that when Ndula gets silly Khosi is the one she goes after. But it all stopped as Msholo was on the hill tusking the ground. He really pulled up the grass and for a few minutes Mamu U, Ndula, and Khosi were engrossed in watching him do that to the ground. Then the party broke up and it started to get dark and that was the end of it all
East Coast, so those WERE streamers I saw yesterday. I was hoping they were and I wasn’t seeing things! Leave to our Keepers to be creative.
What an interesting morning with the Ellies. Did any of you Elle fans catch it? I had watched some of what the Keepers were doing in the pens of the east barn and to me, it looked like they were anticipating something. They worked quickly stuffing enrichment boxes and getting those pens ready. Then the Keepers had separated the Ellies in a rather peculiar way, at least to me it was. It looked like Swazi, Nisa, and Mac, (though I never saw Mac) were in the small pen up at the east yard barns. Then in the larger pen, with the elevated landscape and tree in it, there was Khosi, Ingadze and maybe Kimi and Emanti. Dula, Luti, Mama U and Neepo were left outside the pens and they seemed as bumfuzzled as I. Why had they been separated from their children and Swazi wasn’t? I guess Msholo was in the barn or somewhere out of cam range. Not sure at that point. But Mama U seemed a little confused as to why she wasn’t in the pen with her other calves, and Dula I think was wondering why was she left with Mama U. The calves were eating from the boxes and enjoying their breakfast the Keepers laid out for them.
Then the reason became more clearer to me when Dula, Luti, Mama U and Neepo were put in the west yard with Mabu. Long story short, I’m assuming SDZSP knew one or both the Ladies were in the big “O” way. It looked like the Lady was Ndula. It appeared that Mabu made his move, though the cam, as it should have, parted to another part of the yard. I guess it will be a couple months before we know anything on the outcome of it all, but it’s an exciting time for all anyway.
I was wondering why Ndula was paired with Mama U, maybe as a support group for each other or that they both were in the “O” stage? And why Luti and Neepo were allowed to stay and not the others, unless Neepo and Mama U would object being parted from each other. Anyway, nonetheless, it was a beautiful morning, and I was thrilled to see the Ladies and their calves all eating together and sharing hay afterwards. You don’t usually see that with Ndula and Mama U, not that close together and sharing the same hay.
Jan … I also saw the ellie Halloween party today. That was quite an elaborate buffet of assorted treats set up for the ellies ! But the coolest items were those “ghostly apparitions” crafted from white streamer paper that were hung from the roof of the stone structure at the far end. Even the keepers stood along the wall area above the main pool to closely observe the festivities. Yep… it seems that there has been a lot of goofier-than-normal behavior from many of the ellies lately. Continuing craziness between Nisa, Umngani, Dula, Luti, Khosi, and Swazi….. including poking, prodding, trunking, and sparring with one another …. all very strange…. but fun to watch.
Trick or Treat! The Ellies have something good to eat! They have cardboard boxes with Pumpkins drawn on them and their enjoying what’s in them! Even a green enrichment box has a pumpkin drawn on it. Thank you, Keepers!
It was a silly morning, today. Ndula was frisky, I guess that’s what she was. She was messing with Mama U. One of the things she was doing was head butting Mama U in the rear and pushing her and then sparring with one of the calves. Luti, maybe? Chasing others and being plain goofy. Causing a ruckus wherever she went. Even Swazi had some shenanigans up her sleeve and the calves were playing in teams, here, there and everywhere.
I did see Msholo and Mabu, eye-balling each other across the passageway yesterday. I think Msholo is a bit more interested in Mabu, than Mabu in Msholo. The reason I say is, Mabu would look and then walk on to do something else, while Msholo looked on. It was intense, for me that is. Interesting to see for sure.
Erin, funny you should remark on the Ellies not having any toys. I just saw Swazi swinging back and forth, as Elephants do. Don’t know if she was bored or anticipating something. Nisa was on the ground, at the dirt pile by the water saucer, playing with another Ellie on the ground. Khosi was partly standing over her. Some of the Ellies are gathered up at the pen in the East yard. Swazi was sniffing the air as Msholo was hanging his head over the fence cable as if he were waiting on the Keepers to come down the stairs from the barn. Maybe Swazi was swinging in anticipation. They are doing a yard change now, so maybe that’s what Swazi was looking forward to.
They really enjoy those enrichment boxes and also the nets hanging from the rock shelters. They also love the small boxes with the Elephant pellets in them that they have to knock around to spill the treats out of. Yesterday, when I tuned, in I saw Swazi eating part of a Pumpkin. Those enrichment boxes do keep them entertained until their empty, however they do last awhile.
Some time ago, while Curtis was talking about all the males they have, he said they may have to start a bachelor herd. Don’t know if he was joking, but we know there is such a thing in the wild. If it can be done, I’m sure SDZSP will give it a go if they need to. I have often wondered why Msholo hasn’t Fathered a calf, as we know he has taken the opportunity to. Maybe the time wasn’t right in those instances. We have a lot of “little Mabu’s” running around, I would love to see a “little Msholo” running around in the next couple years. I think the big guy could pass on some wonderful, beautiful genes.
I haven’t caught any communication, eye-balling, between the two Big Fellas either. I sure am hoping too! Sounds interesting. Thanks for sharing those times, East Coast.
East Coast I saw Neepo hanging around Mabu yesterday. He didn’t have the box but was eating everything that must have been falling out of it. I haven”t seen the two big fellas eyeballing each other yet but when they do they are so silly. I wonder if they will ever be in the same yard together. In the wild I see pictures of all these bachelors together at times, so I wonder if it can ever be done at a safari park.
Erin…. In the past I think I had seen Khosi playing with some type of ball ? Although I think the wide variety of enrichments they enjoy
keeps them well entertained.
I saw several instances in past few days where Msholo and Mabu were eyeballing one another over the divider walls between the yards. It appeared that both avoided staring directly at one another and were just sort of peeking out of the corner of their eyes. But all was always calm with no visible aggressive behavior demonstrated. Another comical situation occured yesterday when they were looking at each other from opposite ends of the closed main gate corridor. Each brought along his own enrichment hay box and set it down by the gate in front of them. Then they enjoyed eating some ‘TV snacks’ while sizing up their opponent through the gate bars. Was just too funny.
Also as we have seen, both of the Gentle Giants are great with the youngsters. Althought at times it has appeared that Neepo may be a bit of a Mabu favorite. And occasionally the little dude takes advantage of that by persitently trying to pilfer the Big Guy’s enrichment box.
Is there a reason the elephants have no toys. I know they eat 16 hours a day, sleep about 4 and that doesn’t leave a lot of time for extracurricular activities. But as much as I love the elephants sometimes they just seem so lazy they need something. Maybe a soccer ball or something to get them moving.
Thank you, East Coast! I watched that morning, (as I do every morning) and didn’t catch that. It was wonderful to picture in my head as I read along. I wonder if Mabu and Msholo remember each other from their days back in Africa.
In watching Mabu and Msholo, I have learned while they are similar in Ellie traits, their personalities differ in some ways. Not much, but a bit. I am happy to see Msholo has use of the east yard during the day with the herd when they are kept there. And Mabu, he has the west yard. I saw Msholo one morning last week, smelling the air, I guess for Mabu. Msholo was up in the east yard, by the wall and the steps the Keepers come down from the east yard barns. Mabu was it the pen across the way and could be seen. Well, just his head and back of course. It’s interesting to see the bulls, even while separated, sharing the herd of Ladies and their kids. Should I say, Mabu’s kids. 🙂
I think it was Curtis, some time back, mentioned/joked they “may” have to start a Bachelor Herd.” That sure would be interesting, if in fact it could be done.
Earlier this morning Msholo was in the cam yard and Mabu in the west yard, reacting to each other’s presence on either side of the closed main gates. Even though separated by the length of the main gate corridor, for the most part, it was if they were just calmly chit chatting over a backyard fence. Then at one point Msholo slowly put his front feet up on the stone wall at the right side of the pool next to the gate and reached all the way up to touch the tree limbs with outstretched trunk. His seemingly nonchalant action appeared to be meant as a very subtle but intimidating display of his agility, rather than any actual browsing for leaves. After Msholo slowly climbed back down to the ground, Mabu ‘blinked’ on the other side, shaking his massive head as if Msholo had gotten his goat. Mabu then momentarily sat down in a manner similar to an older larger bull who was attempting to even the odds when sparring with a smaller lower ranking male. Amusing to me, since it kind of looked as if Gigantor momentarily lost his cool a bit and retaliated by talking trash to Msholo. But without a doubt, Msholo won this ‘encounter’ with his oh-so-cool subtle demeanor. At that point the cam panned around to show the rest of the herd, all gathered around in front of the inner enclosure by the water saucer feature.
Thank you everyone who’s been posting lately, I haven’t been able to watch the cam much and I see I’ve been missing all kinds of great activities! I haven’t seen Mabu yet, as far as I know, but maybe he was the ele “in the back area” recently… I was so glad to read that Msholo has been seen with the families again! Wish I could have seen Mabu’s “reunion,” that must have been something…
Hey, East Coast! I’ve been wondering why we hadn’t heard from you! Welcome back!
East Coast, so glad you found us!
Lots of fun in the West yard early this morning. Mabu feeling his beans and the Mama’s all got involved. He was down on the ground by the West yard pool, half out of camera range, so don’t know who he was playing with. Maybe Mama U. Even Swazi played and can be silly at times. One time, Mabu had an enrichment box and I think he was going to toss it but, they don’t fall off his huge trunk as it would the little guys. It was too funny. Finally he dumped it and thought he’d kick it around some, which he did. Had his eras flared, head high, looking like he was on the attack.
Even better this morning. Msholo had joined the herd in the East yard after it was cleaned and the morning chow ready for them. So happy to see our big guy! Emanti was alone walking aimlessly across the hill when he came up on Msholo, who had his very own enrichment box. At first Msholo was hesitant to share, and while he did he then gave it up for Emanti. How sweet can one bull be!
Over the months, I intermittently checked for any new ellie blog articles. Although until now, I hadn’t realized that this 3rd Vus’musi blog article from last year was still being used for current viewer posts. Maybe other folks are unaware of that too. But it’s nice to see that some of you are still here. Anyway, I had thought that Mabu had a large metal cap on his left tusk, whereas Msholo tusks are yet undamaged. Whatever the case, although it was difficult to distinguish who it was on cam, it appeared that Mabu may now have a Technovit cap on his left tusk? Earlier today I think I saw him in the far yard greeting the kids and ladies, while Msholo was in the back small pen area of the inner cam yard enclosure. Hopefully, we will get some info from the Elephant Team in the near future.
Hi Erin, I was beginning to think I was the only one left blogging in this blog. We’re so buried now.
The pool parties have been pretty frequent lately and then again, all summer long. The calves sure enjoy their pool playing and I have especially loved seeing Msholo in there with them.
And I must thank you Monitor, for all your replies and answers.
Erin, I caught a glimpse while the cam sailed by of what we now know was Mabu, in the other yard too. Where they would separate Msholo from Musi at night. Then Friday morning I saw Mabu walking in the west yard doing a meet and greet with the herd. It was wonderful and I think it went as the Keepers hoped for and expected. It was priceless to see, Mabu’s children meeting their Dad!
He looks to be gentle, like Msholo is with the calves. I got a kick out of Emanti who was eating from an enrichment box, when Mabu walked up as if he expected Emanti to share the box and Emanti picked it up and carried it away. How does a little Ellie do that to “gigantor!” Too funny. But Mabu was like, okay I’ll just move along then. He’s so easy going.
I haven’t seen Msholo since Thursday and it’s rather sad to think it may be the last time we saw him.
Missed that awesome pool party. You are lucky when you get the whole gang involved in one. I did notice the other day one of the enrichment items had a small box tied to a cylinder. That went over really well. They all seemed to want their turn with it, and it went flying up in the air on more than one occasion. I swear I have seen Mabu. There was a lone elephant in the far yard from the cam and it wasn’t focused on him but on the other yard. This elephant had longer tusks and I thought it must be Mabu. Here is a scientific experiment that the SDZSP can answer. Since elephants never forget, what was Mabu like when he returned to the park? It was his old stomping grounds and the keepers are the same. So is the saying about elephants true? Curious minds and all the sort of thing.
Monitor’s note: I’m forwarding your question to the Park’s elephant team; I’ll post their answer here when it comes in.
It appears Mabu has joined the herd this morning! So, at least we know where he is. 🙂
Anyone see the action with the Ellies this morning? In the west yard, to the shelter’s left, the kids were playing. Swazi and Mama U were there. I think it was Kami, she came along and went down and rocked around playing. The little ones all gathered around her. Then Nisa decided to lay down, and it proceeded to some pushing and shoving, and the others trying to sit on Kami and maybe Nisa, couldn’t tell really, as Mama U was in the way to see Nisa. But Swazi didn’t like it, unless Nisa was complaining as we can’t hear and Swazi was coming to her aide. Swazi made her presence known though, and when that didn’t break up the fun, she started shoving the kids gently to get away from Nisa. They weren’t paying too much attention so she just moved into the crowd and tried pushing Nisa with her foot to get up. The kids finally got the hint and Nisa got up to her feet. Kami was on the incline and it wasn’t easy getting up so she used her tusks to help.
After that, the kids took it to the pool. I have trouble these days telling the boys apart unless they are facing the cam and it’s a clear view. Two of the boys, were at the pool’s edge and one pushed the other into the pool. It did a reluctant dive, but a dive nonetheless! Then others joined and another one was pushed into the pool. Before you knew it, a big pool party broke out! A bunch of silliness going on. They are feeling their beans this morning! One was even knocking an enrichment box around by the pool. Must be that crisp, Autumn air that got to them.
I believe the gates were left opened to the yards last night and the Ellies enjoyed going to and fro. They haven’t been able to do that, I think before Mabu arrived or after.
Hoping to hear some news on Mabu, or anything new on our Ellies, or Musi. The Keepers must be busy as we haven’t had a new blog for over a year. It has been fun to see what the Keepers do for the Ellies, though. Like the cardboard boxes and the one day, the creative way the branches were scattered about. Some standing up in the dirt piles. Msholo enjoy that!
Monitor’s note: Yep, the keepers’s days are chock full of elephant care! They want to put out a blog and hope to when they have time. They really do appreciate everyone who is as fascinated and devoted to the elephants as they are. 🙂
Oh Lana, what a wonderful story. I loved it and I could picture Msholo and Emanti as you told it. Thank you! It was happy to read, and sad to know, and I about had tears my eyes. Emanti, he is such a little guy for his age, isn’t he? I often see him by himself, and my heart goes out to him. Kami, seems to do okay as I guess Swazi allows her to be closer to her and her kids as she’s been a baby sitter to Nisa.
I love that Emanti got his, “hug” after all.
I meant to do this earlier and forgot. Thank you Monitor, for the link to the Wish Lists!!! I appreciate it.
I saved it again, perhaps I should do it twice this time. 😉
Monitor’s note: 🙂 !
Glad you liked the story, Jan. I have another one but I had to wait until I could unearth my old journal so I can tell it coherently. This happened a couple of weeks or so before Qinisa was born. As I said before, Emanti liked to be with Msholo, who was always very patient. As a side note–important to what follows–often when Emanti was around Mac and Swazi, and Mac would decide to nurse, Emanti would walk away looking “sad,” surely missing his own mother. (You can tell emotions from body language most of the time, as you know.) On this afternoon, Emanti and Msholo were muching “hay” (I think it’s actually alfalfa) from a big flake that had been opened and scattered around. Swazi and Mac arrived–trunk-kisses between Swazi and Msholo and greetings with the calves. Then shortly after that, Mac decided he wanted a cuddle from Swazi; he was always looking for hugs, in those days, maybe aware of the fact that his mom was preoccupied with her unborn baby. So of course Swazi obliged him; in retrospect, I think she was more affectionate with him–her first-born–than she is with Qinisa. Anyway, poor little orphaned Emanti sought comfort by moving over against Msholo’s chest, to be near someone too. And Msholo–I loved this–hugged him with his trunk. And then went on eating. Emanti stayed close like that, loved and protected, eating a bit, for a while. You could tell from his body-language that he was happy. Eventually both boys drifted away from the adults a little, still eating, then Mac took off, probably to join some off-camera game. Swazi and Msholo trunk-kissed and she headed off after Mac. Emanti and Msholo “grazed” a little longer. Then Msholo gave Emanti a tiny push with his head, and ate two or three mouthfuls of hay–then another gentle shove and he turned and left. I think the first push must have been a “goodbye” and maybe Emanti protested and he stayed a little longer. (It made me think of that “guy thing,” where a father or uncle or older brother gives a youngster an affectionate gentle “punch” in the shoulder.) What made it all even more poignant was that when Msholo was on his way, Emanti stretched out his little trunk for one last touch of Msholo’s hind leg. Then he philosophically went back to eating, himself. It was quite extraordinary to watch it all unfolding. The best part was that hug, of course!
Awwww, Lana, I loved hearing about how Msholo was with Emanti when he was orphaned, and how he reassured Nisa when she lost Swazi. What an awesome way for a little Ellie to be reassured.
I’ve never witnessed Msholo being rough either. Whether he’s in the pool with the kids, sharing an enrichment box, or playing, he is always consistent. He also appears to be a gentleman around the Ladies. I love seeing him in the early morning hours with the herd, when they are all gathered up by the barns in the east yard. They are sometimes closely huddled together, and there you see Msholo right with them.
Jan, the thing is that we know that elephants have the same emotions as we do, and naturally we empathize with them. You’d have to have a heart of stone not to “feel for them.” Especially since we know “our” herd so well–seeing them day after day and year after year, we are deeply emotionally involved with them. I understand the Species Survival Plan priorities but I can’t be objective about it. I don’t really think we (viewers) should be objective about it, actually, since the whole point of elephant-watching is to recognize just what-or-who an elephant is and marvel at it. “Our” ellies have their own thoughts and feelings–even though sometimes we can’t figure out just what they are doing or why, partly because we don’t see all of what goes on and partly because they really are a different species. Their unique personalities are why we love them so much.
Msholo has always been wonderful with the calves. I recall a couple of incidents in particular. When Emanti was first orphaned he was a sad little ele, clearly grieving (recognized that from what I’ve seen/read at Sheldrick’s)–he spent a lot of time on his own–by choice– but also he would hang around with Msholo sometimes, and Msholo would let him take food from his mouth the way a mother or sister would with a baby (Emanti wasn’t quite 2 years old, if I remember correctly). And once when Little Q was tiny and she “lost” her mother and you could see her hollering–Msholo was close by and he reached over to give her a reassuring touch with his trunk. He is always so gentle, it seems. At least, I myself have never seen him be rough with the females or the calves–not even with naughty Musi, when they were “sparring.”
Happy Birthday, Neepo!!! Best wishes for a great fun filled Ellie kinda day.
Lana, I am like you. It breaks my heart as well to think Msholo may be sent somewhere and how it may affect Mama U and her children. I know that what ever SDZSP’s plans are for Msholo, it will be for his best interest, and the preservation of our Elephants. That said, it’s hard not to get attached to our Elephants.
I haven’t seen Msholo today. I may be just missing him when he’s on cam. A little while ago I saw Mama U with her trunk raised, smelling the air as she seemed interested in something downwind.
Happy Birthday to Neepo!
Jan and Erin, my first thought when I heard that Mabu was returning to SD was to worry about the Umngani-Msholo situation. It breaks my heart to think they may be separated, knowing how strong their bond is and how deeply elephant emotions run. And as you said, Jan, Msholo has such a good relationship with her calves. Maybe Mabu will be out on-loan again to some other zoo for breeding? We’ll know more eventually, I hope. I can’t say much about Mabu because I’d only been watching for a few months–and didn’t know anywhere near as much about ellies then as I do now–before he and the others were moved to Arizona.
Erin, your so right about Mama U and Msholo. Mama U appears to be very attached to him and he, her. They seem to have built a wonderful relationship and bond. Wherever you see one of them, the other is close by. Plus, her boys seem to have bonded with him. I always marvel at how sweet Msholo is, by sharing his enrichment boxes with Neepo and Gadze. You often see her family with him during the day and lately I’ve seen Msholo and Mamma U playing together.
Mabu is back already. Wow that seems really fast. Poor Msholo wasn’t he second fiddle at the Tampa Zoo? Now Mabu is back and maybe that means he will be number 2 again. If he leaves for another home Mama U will be sad. The park once said she was Msholo’s girlfriend and for sure she is attached at the hip to him.
Wasn’t there a place to donate to a “wish list,” for the Ellies, like for enrichment boxes and such? I can’t seem to find it now. Can someone point me in that direction please?
Monitor’s note: Here’s a link to the Wish List. If you have any questions, contact wishlist@sandiegozoo.org
I just read that Mabu has returned to SDZSP! I’m looking forward to his introduction.
Erin, I wished I caught that. That Ndula, she can be a ham sometimes. I wonder what made her full of beans? Sounds like Kami gave her a good run though.
The elephants are so funny. Last night they were frisky and Ndula made me laugh out loud. She was after Khosi and poor Khosi was trying to get away. Ndula almost managed to get her legs up on Khosi and the she seemed to change her mind. She took a look around and then chased Kami and Emanti. Emanti ran but then did a 180 and Ndula let him go and chased Kami. You should have seen Kami move her legs as Ndula chased her around the rock structure but Kami kept going I believe all the way down to the other end. Silly elephants.
I didn’t have the pleasure of seeing Nisa when she was first born. I learned of the cam when she was about a year old, I think it was. So I missed Khosi trying to “Mother” Nisa underneath her. I laughed that Nisa didn’t fit under her. Too cute! Don Stillwell shared some video’s with me, I am going to have to go back through them and see if I have the one your speaking about, Lana.
To think Kami or Khosi will be having babies in the near future is amazing. It’s even more amazing to picture Swazi as a “Grandma!”
I was wondering if we will see Mabu, when he’s first re-introduced to one the yards? Or, will the cam be down? Will he have to be quarantined as well when he arrives? I’m also wondering, how much bigger, if any, is Mabu than Msholo. I wish the cam had sound, I’d love to hear any trumpeting the herd does when Mabu finally joins the herd in the yard. I know Mabu’s return will be off camera, and most of the transition, but one could only hope to see some of the reunion. I’m sure Curtis will have a video as he did when Msholo was introduced to the herd.
Missing our Ellies while the cam is down today. 🙁
Belated Happy Birthday to Khosi. I have valid excuses for forgetting her birthday but I still can’t believe I didn’t remember. You’re right, Jan, it seems impossible that she’s “all grown up”–or nearly so. All “our” babies are getting so big! I watched Don Stillwell’s video of Kami at 16 days old again recently and it was such a treat to see her so tiny and so full of beans. I’m pretty sure which of the other calves must have been Khosi because of her reactions to Kami, even though so little difference in their ages. Khosi sure loved “mothering” Qinisa, didn’t she? Remember how she used to try to tuck her underneath her chest and tummy the way a mother elephant does, and Little Q didn’t really fit? And now she’ll be having babies of her own in the near future…
Happy Birthday, Khosi!!!
Looks like there may have been a celebration. I just caught a glimpse of the Keepers fishing cardboard (?) out of the east pool as the cam rolled by. It appears the Ellies took the Birthday party to the pool! LOL. Hard to believe our little Khosi is 10 years old. She is an amazing young Lady and great baby sitter.
Just tuned in this morning, (SDZSP time 6:30) an caught Msholo, in the east yard pool with the boys. They were having a blast, though it ended soon after I began watching. I don’t know if it had something to do with Msholo putting his front feet on one of the boys trying to stand, possibly Mac or Luti, couldn’t tell. But the boys slowly spilled out of the pool after that.
Now Mama U is by the edge of the pool by the rock structure next the gate. She and Msholo have their ears flared and Mama U even did a short charge at him to the pools edge. He’s nearly submerged in the pool reaching to her with his trunk and they are touching each other. They’re having a good time playing. But as all good things must come to an end, Msholo came out of the water and they played a little more on land. 🙂 Now they’re both gone through the gates to the west yard.
Wow, thanks for sharing, Erin! I had no idea Mabu would return. I found the article as well and it was an interesting read.
Like Lana, I’m not sure how I feel about this. It sure is hard not to speculate at this point. I’m wondering how it will affect Msholo, too. I don’t know much about these things but I know that SDZSP knows what they’re doing.
I think of how Msholo has yet to father a calf and wonder if he will have that opportunity with this heard if Mabu is back. I worry, (sorry can’t help myself) if there will be a dominance struggle between Mabu and Msholo. I know there was concern that Msholo and Musi could, maybe, escalade to that point as Musi was maturing. Like you said, Lana, we’ll have to wait and see when we hear from the Elephant Team.
I’m enjoying the night vision we have of the Elephants now. It’s even more wonderful as our days are growing shorter and thus, our time in watching them does as well. Now we can watch them when their in view, during the long winter days. Seems like the yards are dappled with new equipment lately and there’s been work going on around the yards as well.
First time I’ve seen the ellies walking around at night, though I’ve looked for them off and on a few times in the past. They weren’t on-cam very long before they melted into the darkness, looking quite ghostly… I’ve been thinking about Msholo, and maybe Mabu’s return won’t affect him after all, because of the genetic diversity thing. (Especially with Khosi and Kami growing into “adulthood” now–and Mabu being their father.) It’s going to be interesting to get the whole story on this!
I found it, Erin. Thanks for the heads-up. I’m not sure how I feel about this! How will it affect Msholo’s situation? I won’t speculate at this point, despite the temptation, since SDZSP will do whatever they intend to do, irrespective of viewers’ opinions. Species Survival plans take precedence over human emotional reactions; I understand that. But… Well, just wait and see. The Elephant Team will tell us what we need to know, eventually.
Wasn’t Nandi adorable in her photos, though?
Today I found an article from the local news in Tuscon that mentioned that Mabu would be packing his trunk and heading back to Escondido. I don’t think I am allowed to post the web site but I just put in the search term elephant, and clicked on news near the top of the screen. It was only a few articles down and was updated on September 03, 2016.
I missed Nissa’s birthday, too, due to total chaos around here (renovations). It’s hard to believe she’s 4 years old “already!” I remember how excited Kami was when she was born, she and the boys awere racing around overwhelmed by joy, Kami trying to find a way to get through the fence to be closer to the baby. As I recall, Kami and Emanti and Mac were “with” Swazi but not in the actual enclosure, just adjacent and able to reach through. Nissa was so tiny and wobbly and adorable… If there were any celebrations for her birthday, I hope someone will tell us–whether Elephant Team or viewer!
Happy BE-lated Birthday, to our little girl, Nisa!!! I was out of town and had no internet access this weekend and missed any celebration for her. ( I’m sure the Keepers did something for her 🙂 ) Wow, 4 years old already! And she still is as big as ham as she was when she was a baby. I loved how she would plop down anywhere, at anytime and take a nap when she as ever so little!
Best wishes, Nisa, for health and happiness!
A few minutes ago I saw a keeper pulling one of the hay boxes and was struck by how large the boxes are. They certainly don’t look that big when the elephants are pulling hay from them. That sight makes this person appreciate just how very large the elephants are.
And speaking of large….any weight you can pass on to us readers about the weight of Msholo? He looks heavier and taller than two years or so ago. The adult females look like juveniles when standing next to him. And he is quite adept at self supplying fresh greens. I saw him in the passage between the two yards a few weeks ago with both front feet on the top rail and reaching up high to pull of leafy twigs and branches,
She sure did sleep. It had to be about 30 minutes and nothing moved. Not a ear, leg or trunk. She was out like a light. Khosi and Kami were lurking inside the shelter to watch over her. When she did wake up Swazi was so unappreciative of her loyal nannies. She gave Khosi a big push in her backside to get moving. She must have needed her personal space. It was a good thing Qinisa had a nap because after she woke up there was a pool party in the big pool and she was off and running.
Shhhhhh … cute little Nisa is napping.
I saw her, “J” napping earlier, and then she went down in the shade of the west rock shelter. Mom is close by. Nisa still is her adorable self.
Agreed, Erin! Besides the fact, they are the best at everything else too!!!
I just noticed the Olympic rings on the rock structure in the smaller yard. Well if the Safari Park is giving out medals in the animal kingdom, I think the elephants win gold for being the heartiest eaters around.
I have seen Ndula spar with Luti a few times but not many. I think Luti is trying to find a bigger elephant to test himself. Sometimes I see him defending himself against 2 other calves and he can handle himself.
A few days ago I did see Luti in the pool and Msholo was there too. Msholo was more interested in checking the top of the rocks for food but Luti wasn’t going away. He kept touching Msholo and Msholo took a step to his right to get away. No such luck pal, Luti wasn’t going away. He touched him again and he got what he wanted. Msholo turned around and began to push Luti by just doing a walk.
Luti was going backwards to about the halfway point of the pool and then flopped. Now Msholo wasn’t going anywhere and when Luti decided to surface he did a look left, look right, look left, look right and the old spin around for a surprise attack. Msholo wasn’t surprised and again he began to push by just walking. After about 2 steps Luti flopped again and this time when he surfaced he left the pool. He lost twice and I guess that was enough, but he did get the big guy to fool with him.
It’s almost 8:30 in the park and I just watched an adult female playing with a calf. I believe it’s Ndula and Luti again. They were on the hill in the east yard. So I have a question. Could it be, Ndula is play sparring with Luti to teach him? Since Luti’s big brother Musi isn’t there to for him, could Ndula be filling in the gap. Just wondering if the females may take part in teaching their sons to spar when there isn’t an experienced male in the herd. This is the first time I have seen anything like this, so it’s new to me to be seeing it twice in one day. I know that there are other male calves in the herd besides Luti, but do they all gain that knowledge and experience through each other, or could a Mother help in the teaching also?
Wonderful pool party between Ndula and Luti. It started with play and trunk wrestling by the rock between the pool and gate to the west yard. It was sweet to see Mother and Son playing. Luti, one time backed into Mama and kept pushing back into her as she pushed back. They continued to play and took the play into the pool with Luti first inviting Mom, to come and play in the water. They had a nice time bobbing around and touching. Thanks again cam operator!
It was one of those times, I wished I had been there to see it.
Thank you Cam operator for giving us some awesome footage of Ndula right now. She’s in the furthermost corner of the west yard, on the north end, by the gate to the barn. She’s eating from a enrichment box, and it looks like Luti is still trying to nurse. Ha, ha! What a beautiful camera as I can see the hair on her legs in the sunlight. Wow! I had no idea we could see a picture that clearly! It’s great!!! I can see her moving her eyes. Very exciting!
By the way, Erin. I didn’t see Mama U “charged up” on the morning your talking about. I had been watching but missed the action. Funny about the early morning swim that may have recharged her.
I don’t know what set Mama U off this morning but she was charged up. Ears out, tail out, feigned fear look, kicking the dirt and spinning in circles. I always think the prevailing winds change and they get the scent of Izu, but the trees were dead calm. She carried on for quite a while until Ndula showed up and she calmed down quite a bit. Maybe she had an early morning swim and felt rejuvenated. Wish I knew what made them act so silly sometimes. Got a real good close up of cute little Neepo. Doesn’t look like any dental surgery. Must have been perfectly placed dirt that has washed off.
Trying to catch a glimpse of Neepo’s tusks, Erin. Looking for Technovit (sp), if it’s there from dental work.
Not sure it was yesterday morning or the day before, but watched the early morning Ellies gathered together up near the east barn. (about 6:30 SDZSP time). Msholo and Swazi played for a bit together and then she went off to do her aloof thing. I believe it was Khosi, that Msholo showed some interest for, after she had backed into the crowd of calves. He attempted to mount, but quickly aborted the idea. She went to the bathroom and then the calves swarmed about as they do in the early morning hours when a calf relieves itself. She sorta got lost in the crowd after that.
There’s some beautiful art work on the west rock shelter about, Global Tiger Day. I was wondering if it was the handy work of one of the Ellie Keepers?
I watched some videos on youtube, of Musi at the, Fresno Caffee Zoo. There’s one, I’m not sure that it’s Musi, I think it may be one of the females there, but they were displaying the head and trunk swaying. It sort of concerned me at first. I think that they have plenty of space to roam and are challenged with some enrichment during the day.
Wanted to thank the Cam operators for allowing us to see all the pool parties lately. They’re a hoot! There’s one going on right now in the west yard.
I may be mistaken but it looks like cute little Neepo had some dental surgery. I think there is a silver tip on his left tusk, unless of course he has some stuck on dirt.
Yep Erin, that’s the one! I agree, she used to mull it over if she should wade on in the pool or, what?
Wonder if Swazi is in season? Last night, it seemed Msholo was interested in her and she was running from him as the herd followed. They were out of camera range much of the time, but there were no physical signs that he was going to mate. It was funny, at one point, when Msholo was going to join the chase, Mama U distracted him as if she wanted to play. She wanted to trunk wrestling. Maybe, but I thought maybe she was being jealous. When things cooled down the camera let us see Msholo and Mama U having some gentle trunk wrestling and interaction. You forget how big he is until he is standing with one of the adult females. I am always amazed and marvel at how gentle he is when he plays with the youngsters or, Mama U.
I have to say, the Ellies sure do enjoy those enrichment boxes!!! That’s their thing now and I love it when they pick one up and run with it so another Ellie doesn’t take it away. Or, they carry it on into the pool. 🙂 I did see some cardboard boxes this week in the yard so they must have received some treats. Msholo was shredding one I guess to pass the time. Though he did eat a bite or two.
Hoping we can get an update on Musi sometime. This is a busy season for the Keepers but I wondered if Curtis had made a trip to see our boy.
Jan I most likely saw the same Ndula and Luti pool party that you saw. But Ndula in the last week has strayed from her usual pattern. That original pool party was the way she seems to always go in the pool. Either alone or she allows Luti. Then I saw her and Luti in the pool and it seems Luti was allowed 1 friend in the pool. It was Khosi and eventually Ndula began her pushing/chasing of Khosi in the pool. Then the shocker came when there were four young elephants in the pool and Ndula went straight in without stopping to think about it for thirty minutes. It must have been a stinker of a hot day in Escondido if she dove straight into the pool with FOUR young elephants.
Very sweet pool party between Ndula and Luti. I came in on the end of it, but it was sweet, no-less.
What was that Elephant, wearing?
I think it was Luti or Mac. Sporting vegetation on their head. Nice long stems. Looks like they pulled it right out of the ground from somewhere. It looked like it had dirt and roots intact.
Anyone have a clue, or see where they got it from.
On the odd occasion when it is really hot, does the SDZSP give the elephants a treat of a zoo popsicle? The reason I ask is that when I should be working I am surfing different zoo facebook pages and sometimes their animals get a popsicle. I know SD would have to make a lot of them because they may be a family herd but they really do hate to share.
I saw two pool parties on consecutive days during Park hours. It must be hot in California if the elephants are swimming when guests are there to see them. I think they usually prefer after hours. Sure enough Qinisa was in there with her ever loyal nanny to watch her. Kami is on duty 24/7.
Watched Msholo this morning, helping himself to some branches from a tree in the west yard, near the building. It appears he had his front feet on something to make himself taller, such as the top of the concrete ditch that runs the perimeter of the yards. He was enjoying his breakfast treat.
The rest of the heard is hanging out up at the barns in the east yard, waiting for the Keepers. They probably hear them in there with hopes of them giving them some breakfast.
Lana,, I too am adjusting to Nisa’s tusks. She is growing too fast before our eyes.
Erin, I remember Luti used to do that half-jump when he was “little.” I’d forgotten until you mentioned it, though! Good to recall it again. Jan, I thought I was the only one having trouble telling the calves apart! It IS difficult–especially since I only see them for brief intervals as a rule. Seems like they just suddenly “grew up.” I’m still trying to adjust to the fact that Little Q has tusks! Can’t believe she’s nearly 4 years old… I finally saw a pool party the other day, a brief one. One ele went into the water and suddenly they all converged and waded in. After too short a time, Swazi came slogging back out and she must have called the others–all the females, and I think Neepo and Emanti, dutifully followed her. But the three older boys–I’m pretty sure it was they, Luti and Mac and Ingadze, but I wouldn’t swear to it–stayed on and had their rough “boy games” of pushing and trunk-wrestling for quite a while longer, both in the pool and “on land” around it. Like young male elephants in the wild, they’re slowly separating themselves and “doing their own thing,” trailing after the rest of the herd when they’re finally ready to do so.
I found out the answer to Luti and the elephant half jump. I saw Ndula and Luti about an hour ago getting their treats and the elephant half jump is no more. Well it did look like he tried because he had his trunk up and he lifted one leg. I guess Luti is just too heavy to do the half jump.
Erin, I didn’t know Luti could do that jump. Thanks for sharing. It would be something to see. Lately, it’s a challenge to tell the calves apart, unless you get a clear look at the tusks. They are all so big now. I’ve gone through some of my screen shots I’ve collected since I’ve been watching the cam and, oh my! How they’ve grown!
I was wondering what the equipment is that’s attached to the top of the rock shelter in the west yard? Maybe new cameras, where we can see more of that yard/Ellies?! Or, maybe some new lighting? There appears to be something too, on the east shelter, by the barns. Maybe our Monitor could do some digging and find out for us.
Been loving the pool parties that are a little more frequent lately.
I am just watching Kami and Emanti being trained today. I haven’t seen Luti being trained in ages, but I was curious to know if Luti can still do the elephant half jump during his training. He is a lot bigger now then when he did do the half jump with his front legs coming up off the ground at the same time.
I don’t know if it is just me, but I honestly think all the young bulls are hanging around Msholo more and more. He must be their hero and before long they will want to spar with him. If Msholo is looking to play fight he needs all those naps he takes. There are a lot of boys coming up of roughly the same age. Before he just had to spar with Moose. Good think he is young bull and even keeled.
I’ve seen him do that, Erin, and it is awesome! He’s not only athletic and handsome, he’s sweet and sensitive too. The other day he was comforting Luti for some reason, or just being affectionate. He was stroking Luti’s head and neck and back. I thought it might be Emanti–Kami was blocking part of my view–since he’s got a soft spot for the “orphan-child.” But when Kami moved, it was Luti. I THINK Luti, he’s the one with caps on both tusks, isn’t he? Sometimes I think about how Msholo has adapted to his situation. Wild bulls do spend time socializing with families, not just when they’re looking for a mate. But they spend a lot of time wandering alone, or with other bulls, being companionable and strength-testing and all. He hasn’t really been able to do that, on even a limited basis, since Musi left, although I see the ladies will occasionally indulge him in playing a little. Not exactly strength-testing, however! He is so gentle with them. I love to watch their interactions. Anyone can see the love and tenderness when he is twining trunks, etc., with one of the females. The other day he was stroking Swazi behind her ear and she was practically comatose with pleasure. (I’m pretty sure that I read somewhere that ellies do like to be stroked there–not exactly like stroking a dog or cat behind the ears, with ears that size!)
That must have been something to see him just get up. For elephants getting up is true labour unless you are really tiny. Another impressive thing about Msholo is when he is around the large pool and he stands up on his back legs and tries to get at the tree branches. Sometimes successful, others times they are just out of reach. Gosh when he does that he must be twenty feet tall.
Amazing thing this morning–amazing to me, anyway. This was somewhere around 5:30 a.m. Pacific time… I “arrived” just in time to see Msholo lying down resting! He was sacked-out resting his head against the dusting-soil pile as if it were a pillow. His trunk-tip was moving around in the dirt a little so he wasn’t actually asleep. He looked so enormous and yet so vulnerable–it was very emotional to see, since the only times I’ve ever seen him lying down are when he’s playing with Umngani or Swazi. I was lucky I was able to catch it at all–only a minute or so passed, and suddenly he decided to get up. That was astonishing: he just GOT up, no rocking or anything, just right up from lying on his side in one smooth motion, in a matter of seconds, lithe as a panther. Even after all these years I am still awed at how beautiful and coordinated elephants can be–especially a big bull like Msholo. He tossed a little dust on himself, went foraging delicately in the dirt pile with the tip of his trunk; I don’t know what was mixed in there–treats or salt chunks or what–something small–but he found a few of them, whatever they were, and ate them before wandering off-camera. (Thank you to the camera operator for staying with him when he was lying down!)
I have often seen the wild bunnies hopping along or being chased along by the younger elephants. I wondered where they went and it seems the bunnies might have their own condo complex in the rock structure at the side of the small pool. Two nights ago one of the younger elephants chased a bunny and it fled into the rocks. No wonder they are always around and able to torment the younger ones. They live pretty close.
Monitor’s note: There are many bunny homes throughout the Safari Park, as there is quite a healthy population of bunnies! 🙂
Hi Jan. I noticed the sore spot on Qinisa because it looked like a scratch since it seemed to be a different colour than her skin. Maybe two days later the camera operator watched Swazi training and then moved to Mac and Qinisa. Qinisa did a turn and she had a wet streak from the bump down to the bottom her side. Maybe it was an abscess and it got popped because one of the keepers was wearing latex type gloves. It didn’t seem to bother her at all because the next day or day after there was a pool party and she was in there like a dirty shirt, until Ndula spooked everyone and they all got out with that feigned fear expression of croc in the water.
This morning was the first time I was able to see the sore/injury, really well on Nisa’s left side near her hip. I had seen the Keepers treating it weeks ago. I don’t know if she hurt herself or it’s a medical issue, but it doesn’t seem to bother her now, nor did it before.
I know it’s rather late to mention it, but seeing it this morning it reminded me of it. I was wondering if any of you had noticed it?
Happy, Happy Birthday, Emanti!
I missed the celebration, but happy to see that there was one. I’ve only been able to pop in and out all day so I’m sure I’m missing some cute and fun things our Ellies do! Thank you Keepers, for making Emanti’s day special, as he is one special young man.
I too, wish his Mama cold see him, and he is becoming a wonderful bull. I always look for him, as he’s a special kind of guy growing up all on his own with his Sister.
Have a great day, Emanti!
Just watching and see a lot of blue streamers. Looks like all the elephants got to
celebrate Emanti’s birthday. Lana I saw the large elephant lying down last night and it was Swazi. Just before she wanted her beauty rest, Ndula and another came by and she chased them away from her dirt pile. Then she went to the ground and went to sleep. She woke up once and said forget it and went back to sleep. The camera moved away and I don’t know how long she caught some zzzzz. I am waiting for a pool party this year. Sun shining and ears flapping but they only look at the water. They had more pool parties when it was broken and there was no water in the pool. They wandered in the pool then. You just cannot predict what animals will do.
Happy Birthday, Emanti. I wish your mother could see what a fine strong little bull you’re becoming!
Jan and Erin, thanks for the “stories!” I seem to be tuning in at the wrong times lately and missing all the fun. Although I did see something yesterday. One of the bigger calves (I think it was a calf) lay down on the dirt-pile to rest, and of course Qinisa came hurrying over to play “climb on.” However, the larger ele didn’t want to play, just briefly sat up (and probably rumbled a warning, since normally they only wiggle around enough to make the climb-on more fun) and poor Little Q went sliding off rather awkwardly. She got the message and stood there looking very forlorn and downcast. Kami (I think it was she, didn’t get a proper view to ID for certain) came over and trunk-kissed her a couple of times to sympathize and console her. She finally went trudging off, with Kami following slowly behind her. The large ele just lay there, probably napping… I had to leave, so don’t know what happened next, if anything.
You had me laughing Jan. That Mama U, she does like the boys. A big homerun for the keepers yesterday. They strung three boxes together and gave the elephants a whole new looks with that trick. It was a hit. They all were around that box and each pushing the other out of the way in order to have control of the box. Flipping it, pulling it, lifting it up and it went on for hours.
Interesting early morning with the Ellies. Mama U, is feeling frisky and playful. She tried to get Msholo to play, (or pitch some woo) and he did for a moment, but wouldn’t pursue it longer. He’s more interested in the log pile by the passage way between the yards. Mama U, then went inside the passage way and did a spin, and some head shaking with ears flared. She swung her trunk as her boys were hanging out at the gate in the east yard. All while Msholo was ignoring her, digging in and around the log pile. Couldn’t tell which Ellies, but a couple in the west yard ran over to her to see what’s up. They then went back to the west yard. Mama U, went and stood in the gate looking at Msholo who at this time was digging a log out from the wood pile. It almost looked as if she was saying, “come on Msholo!” She looked sort of disappointed, maybe hurt, he wasn’t paying attention to her.
She slowly walked over to him, and I wondered if she was trying to capture his attention, but if she was, it didn’t work. Msholo had pulled his log out of the pile and his attention was totally on it. Mama U, in her defeat, and with her boys, joined him investigating the wood pile. Then her and the boys lost interest and went on their way.
Just joined the camera and it appears one of the crafty elephants has torn the cover off the lawn sprinkler. There are 7 elephants digging a hole and flinging mud and water over themselves. Now if they have done this once, they may do it again.
Happy, Happy Birthday, Mac!
Loved hearing about Mac protesting Swazi for weaning him. And yes, he has grown into a beautiful, handsome little man.
Have a great Birthday, Mac!
Happy Birthday to Mac! I can remember when he was yelling like crazy (you could see his mouth wide open), absolutely outraged, when Swazi was weaning him just before Qinisa was born. And how the poor little guy kept trying to sneak some milk after his baby sister started nursing. And look what a big boy he is now!
Missed the pool party, drat it! I’ll know enough to start checking now, at least.
Erin, thanks for the Khosi-and-Ndula story. Interesting. I wonder if it’s something to do with the hierarchy in the herd now that Khosi is maturing. The back-kicks and the backing-into make an odd combination, since presenting the rear-end to another ele usually is a sign of trust and/or of submission to a superior. “Mixed signals,” for sure. Yes, Swazi does occasionally confirm the reasons why she’s the matriarch!
POOL PARTY!!! The first one I’ve witnessed this year! Three calves, can’t tell who they are, the cam is too far back. It sure is nice to see. (It would be 2:20 SDZSP time) A big crowd is watching! Lucky folks.
Thanks for the link, Carol. Loved seeing Musi again, I sure do miss him. He does appear happy and I loved watching him doing his trunk splash in the pool too.
Erin, I missed Khosi messing with Ndula. I wonder what that was about. It’s amazing that all Swazi has to do is make her presence known and things calm down. She appears aloof most the time but she sure takes care of her herd.
What an interesting morning. Earlier Khosi was doing all she could to annoy Ndula. Little back kicks at her and putting her backside into Ndula’s face. She put up with it for quite a while until enough was enough. Ndula sprung into action. When she did Mama U took off, others scattered and Khosi was being pushed all over. There was quite the commotion so Swazi had to come over at quick time and just like that it all stopped and everyone had a group huddle/hug. I love seeing Swazi spring into action. I thought she was enjoying a relaxing sunny morning but her work is never done.
I went and saw the photo and read the comments attached. There were a few more photos of Moose posted there. In the photo you found it looks like he is having a good time. I guess he is still a big ham.
I was curious about what Musi is up to and found this facebook image from the Fresno Chaffee Zoo:
www(DOT)facebook.com/fresnochaffeezoo/photos/a.173810697893.125593.47803307893/10153437721827894/?type=3&theater
I wonder if he is of age that he can find a mate among the elephants at Fresno and how long would that take.
happy belated bday to Ingadze! 🎂 🎁 🎉
I was rereading this bio of Joyce Poole (Coming of Age with Elephants) and she commented about how elephants do not like surprises and they prefer having some routine. I was curious how the keepers balance this characteristic of elephants with their needs for enrichment. do the elephants keep the same keeper during the year? thanks
The Elephant Team responds: Our elephants seem to enjoy our “surprises”, as long as it’s not a situation where they get “spooked” by us showing up and startling them somehow. Our management approach is to make their days unpredictable and NOT ROUTINE, which does a couple things: they become desensitized to a lot of different situations; they learn to adapt to a changing environment—it simulates what life in the wild would be like (anything but routine), and they learn to cope with changes. They seem to enjoy the changes (or challenges) and it stimulates creativity in the staff, especially towards enrichment for the elephants. The elephants don’t have to have the same trainer to respond correctly.
Lana, I missed Khosi’s fashion show. Thanks for sharing. I always love seeing the calves trying to wear their food. T
It’s a nice evening in the park tonight, especially with more daylight. Many a nights while the cam is on our Ellies in the East yard by the shelter, we see the Giraffe and Rhinoceros’s in the back ground. I have often wondered, if Swazi, Ndula, Msholo or Mama U see them, and if they do, do they have any memory of their species from when they lived in Kruger National Park. I’ve also wondered if any memories are triggered should they hear a Lion or Tiger roar that lives in SDZSP. But, on the other hand, hearing a Lion or Tiger’s roar, may upset them so not sure if they are able to hear those animals in the park.
I only saw part of that, Jan. At the point where I came in, Khosi was walking around with a huge banana (?) leaf draped across her back–obviously her idea of high fashion, since she must have put it there herself and made no attempt to shake it off. Too funny! Also she was messing with a long branch that was heavy and awkward, apparently trying to find the “balance point” to carry it crosswise. She didn’t succeed while I was watching and the cam moved on. Wonder if she managed to do it later!
Happy Ellies, today! Lots of branches scattered about in the west yard. They are enjoying themselves. It’s fun to watch them picking through them.
Happy, Happy Birthday, Ingadze! Here’s wishing you have a day filled with all the things Ellie boys love. Like lots and lots of treats! Looks like they had some treats as there’s small bowls littered about.
Loved your questions Erin and your thoughts Lana, on Kami. I think Kami is the sweetest too. However, they say it’s the quiet ones you have to watch out for. If push really came to shove, we could see a side of Kami we’ve never saw before. I have often wondered if she is sweet, patient and understanding because she lost her Mother at a early age. Having gone through that, watching out for a little brother as well has maybe molded her as she is today. She’s like a quiet one, standing in the distance of Swazi, yet watching and learning and soaking in all in. Who knows, maybe some day she will have what it takes to be a matriarch.
It would be wonderful to hear a Keepers “character analysis” of the calves. Especially since they are maturing and their personalities are too. I mean the calves, not the Keepers 🙂 )
Hopefully, before the weather gets too warm and the Park gets busy, one of the Keepers will have a new blog for us. And, an up-date on our, Musi.
Happy Birthday to Ingadze!
Great question, Erin! I think Kami is the sweetest ele in the world but maybe she’s fooling all of us. She has always seemed to be the peacemaker of the group. I remember many times when there was too much rough-housing, instead of scolding the younger ones she would distract them by playing with them. It would be fascinating to hear the Team’s “character analysis” of the various calves. Thank you, monitor! And let’s all try to remember Ingadze’s birthday…
Just wondering if the moderator of this forum happened to meet some of the keepers around the water cooler if they could ask them about the personalities of the little ones. I am just watching them play and I was thinking the cheekiest little one must be Luti and the softie of the group must be Kami. Just a theory I have, but as the keepers work with them every day they would have a handle on it.
Monitor’s note: Well, my “water cooler” is not in the same spot as theirs (miles away, in fact), but I shall summon the power of email and share your request! 🙂
I remembered it all day on the 14th, but forget to send Birthday wishes for him. (blaming it on brain freeze here too, because of frigid temps) We hardly have any babies left. (Hint, hint, Lady Ellies) They are getting big! Luti isn’t that much smaller then his Mama now. I watched him nurse last week and now he has to really lean in to do so. His front feet touched his back feet and how he balances like that, is just amazing.
I have to say again, I am loving the new cam. It’s just beautiful.
I can’t believe I forgot Luti’s birthday! (Blame it on the minus-30 wind chills here this weekend freezing my brain.) Poor “little” guy! I also can’t believe he’s 6 years old. All our babies are growing-up so fast…
Over time, often I have often seen Khosi decorate herself with various ‘wardrobe accessories’ such as a hay or leafy branch ‘hat’ on her head or a large ‘cape’ of hay on her back, etc. It is quite amusing to watch her antics. But was hilarious one time when I saw mom Umngani approach her and without hestitation, nonchalantly reach out with her trunk to snatch a hay ‘hat’ from Khosi’s head as she passed by.
Jan, thanks for sharing that! I wish I could have seen it… I’ve seen one or another of them doing the “streamer” thing in the past, but not for a long time. Too cute! Also remember one time when Khosi or Kami–not sure after so long–had tossed a small branch on top of her head and was trying to walk around without its falling off her. They make up such interesting games for themselves with whatever is handy–clever as well as intelligent.
Watching the silly Ellies tonight, playing with the tissue paper in the east yard. Khosi started it. She first took a string of it and threw it on her head and proceeded to walk. I guess it got in her eyes or something, as she decided she didn’t want it on her head anymore. So, she pulled it off and swung it up and down, up and down, she looked like a cheerleader with a streamer until it broke. Taking a part with her, she walked to catch up with Mama U, as her and the boys were making their way up the hill towards the shelter in the east yard by the Roar and Snore Tents. She played some more with it as she walked and then met up with, I guess Neepo, as it was a little hard to tell because of the distance the cam was from them. She let Neepo take over from there but by then the piece was too small to really do anything with. By this time the Ellies disappeared from the cam view to the shelter.
Later, I was shocked! Swazi had a piece and she was slapping it around and had fun with it until something else caught her eye. It was nice to see serious, Swazi, let her ears down and act silly, even if it was for a few moments.
So sorry this has taken me so long to find and read! Loved the saga, Curtis. What a remarkable elephant Moose is! And kudos to all his keepers and staff at both zoos. Please do keep us updated on his progress at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo. Another reason to check out their zoo.
Looks like the Ellies had a special treat today. Rats! I missed it. Tissue paper strung everywhere by the East Yard shelter near the Roar and Snore Tents. The party’s over but the paper remains. Msholo is enjoying an enrichment box while his back feet rest in a bed of fresh hay. Ahhhh, the life of an Elephant. Doesn’t get better than that.
This morning the boys were sparring everywhere and having a good time of it. I also was able to see the whole herd together at one time, that is while the boys were playing, but all 12 were in view.
Beautiful morning in the park as the sun comes up. The cam operator let us see Swazi, Nisa, Kami and Emanti huddled under the west yard shelter. Nisa nursed a bit, Emanti had discovered something on his belly with his trunk and was sampling it. Kami laid her trunk across Nisa’s back while she nursed, and gave her a caress or two. There appeared to be a row of dirt stretched across the front of the shelter. Sort of looked like a giant mole hill. Maybe it was there to stop the rain from flowing into the shelter and keep it dry.
Thank you cam operator.
Thank you for fixing the cam!
I had just watched Msholo chowing down with Mac, altho he left shortly after Swazi and Nisa showed up. And yes…the cam feed seems to have been fixed. 🙂 Thank you !
YAY!!! It appears the cam is fixed!!! Thank you so much! We appreciate it!
Watching Msholo now in his usual form. Eating!
I am having the same or similar problems with the ellie cam. The cam feed stutters as if in slow motion, with various degrees of distortion and or pixelation during zooming and panning movement. Also over time, other than today, there have been intermittent periods of ‘circle of doom’ cam loading delays and even occasional total cam outage.
I’ve got the same problem, Jan. I was just coming here to ask if I was the only one, so glad to see your post. I’ll watch my ellies any way I can “get” them, but it IS disconcerting! It’s probably those naughty tigers, jealous that everyone is watching the ellies instead of watching them!
I was wondering if any of the other Ellie, cam-fans, are getting the same view as I. The Ellies and cam movements appear to be in a animated state. Like in a strobe light. I believe it started when it rained a couple weeks ago. Or, are the Tigers messing with us again.
Thanks Diane for the update on our buddy Musi. Great to get some ‘insider’ info about him from a frequent visitor to his African Adventure exhibit at Fresno-Chaffee zoo. Happy New Year 2016 to all !
Thank you so much, Diane! It’s wonderful to hear that our Musi is doing well from someone who has visited the exhibit. I bet it is a wonderful experience for your Grandchildren to see the animals in that amazing exhibit. Thanks again, and please up-date us any time you visit, Musi. 😉
Thank you for that update, Diane! It’s wonderful to know that he seems happy. Sounds as if the new exhibit there is great!
As a San Diego Zoo member and resident of Fresno, I want to let everyone know that Musi is doing well in the new African Adventure exhibit at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo. I visit frequently with my two grandchildren and we enjoy seeing Musi, his two lady friends, and all the other animals in the expansive new area. Having cheetahs, rhinos, lions, giraffes, meercats (still in quarantine), and various antelope species is spectacular. Musi seems so happy roaming around his new home and hopefully will soon live up to his name!
It was raining so much yesterday in SD, it was a mud bath. Today it doesn’t seem to be raining and it is still very muddy. I know that putting dirt and mud over their skins are great for elephant skin protection but they are so dirty. After something like this does the SDZSP give them a shower?. If they get clean it would take just a few minutes for them to get dirty all over again.
Thank you cam operator for the beautiful close ups of Msholo, they are great! We have mentioned how much the calves have grown since the web-cam absence but, I think Msholo has too!
It’s been a interesting morning watching our Ellies, “piggie” around in the mud from the rain.
Jan, I thought that Ndula is spending more time with Msholo lately, too. She was almost a little flirty the other day, even. Or maybe we’re watching around the same times and it only seems that way. You know, the calves do look bigger even with just a couple of cam-less weeks! I suppose it’s possible, they do grow very fast and I suppose, like humans, have “growth spurts” sometimes, too. That’s cute about the treats, Erin!–I keep missing “enrichment,” lately, darn it… Looking forward to Curtis’s blog about Musi’s progress!
It seems the Ellies have received some special treats this morning, in the west yard. There’s 3 (is what I see) small rubber looking bowls scattered about and tree branches. I see Msholo, Luti and Ndula there and haven’t caught sight of the other Ellies there. The Keepers moved Mama U and her calves, to maybe the East barn? As I don’t see them and that’s where they were all running to when I looked in. May have included Kami and Emanti. Haven’t seen Swazi and her calves during this.
I was wondering if it’s just me, or does it seem to other Ellie cam fans, that Ndula is spending more time with Msholo these days? Maybe it’s just me, that I am catching these times to appear so. Maybe she will be coming into cycle and there’s a reason for it. Maybe not. 😉
Got a chuckle out of that, Erin. Yep, you’d have to get up pretty early in the morning to fool the herd. They don’t miss a thing. They want their treats!
I really have enjoyed the new cam. You see so much more and I’m learning more about their behaviors. Probably because you can see their faces much clearer. The expressions come through better. They are such, such beautiful creatures. And, very calming to watch. I do watch them a lot!
I was watching the camera at approximately this time, and the elephants began to be on the move. I wondered why they were on the move. The elephants arrived down at the other end staring at the bushes on the hill. Sure enough two keepers with goodies began walking along the hill further up. I don’t know if they keepers were trying to be sneaky but it sure didn’t work. The elephants busted that attempt. Possibly it might work if they keepers dressed up as a bush and sneaked along the hill. You never know.
Lana, I agree. He has grown a lot the last couple years, as that’s how long I have been a Ellie cam fan. I’m emotionally touch too by his gentleness. Sometimes you will see little Neepo hanging out with him, sharing some flakes of hay. Or one of the other calves eating from an enrichment box with him. Swazi doesn’t even allow that! In the several weeks the cam was down, I think all the calves have grown as well. And their tusks. Gadze’s are really getting out there. I don’t know if it’s just the HD cam or what, but it seems our little calves have grown in the short time we missed them. One, of my favorite times to watch the cam is before dusk, when the sun is back behind the trees. It seems the camera captures them much clearer. Tonight you could see their eyes as the cam operator was giving some great footage. Thanks cam operator!
I think of Musi often, and how his life is with his new herd. I bet he displays all the wonderful things Msholo has invested in him and he’s gentle with his Ladies too.
I saw that too, Jan. It was wonderful. I’m always emotionally touched by how gentle Msholo is with the ladies and the calves. I’m also rather amazed at how much he’s grown in the past couple of years. Well, hmmm, it’s more than a couple, I first saw him in 2012, I think. I know the bulls just keep growing all their lives, but it’s still astonishing when you actually see it happening “live.”
When I looked in first thing this morning, Ndula and Msholo were sparring/playing in the west yard. What a treat! She’d walk away, he’d follow, she’d spin around to face him, and they’d spar some more. He’d lay his trunk over her head and you could she her adjusting to handle the weight of it. He was ever so gentle with her. It was beautiful to watch, and she seemed to be enjoying her time with him, as he with her. Being human, I thought it was sweet and if Musi only knew, Mom was playing with his Best Bud.
Just want to add my thanks for the new hi-def camera. Wow! The images are amazing!!!
I’m seeing our Ellies like I’ve never seen them before! You see their eyes blink, and the movement in their eyelids. Their coloring, their toes! Everything. We greatly appreciate the new cam. Thanks again.
Love the, “green” in the trees. I’m from the north, nice to see the green in the trees still. Though I do love my cold & snow, it’s not for Elephants. They have a beautiful, typical, surrounding there. It’s nice to see them that way.
I agree, Erin. We’ll get to see Swazi in a whole new light!
I love the new hi-def webcam. Now I can really see those disapproving looks Swazi flashes to the herd. Missed her while the camera was down.
This new Camera is so much clearer. So glad to be able to see the elephants. They make my day
Just LOVE the new elephant cam !! Thank You. Now all I want for Christmas is Part 4 from Curtis
to find out how Moose is doing, and if he likes his new Lady Friends.
Cant find where to post as regards the latest blog, so im just gonna do it here. Great to see the cam back by the way.
Monitor’s note: This is, indeed, the most recent elephant blog. When the posts were imported to the new site, the comments got left behind, but the conversation continues! 🙂
It was an awesome surprise to be greeted by the view from this new Hi-Def Ellie cam today. First, I did a head count ID to verify all Ellies were present. Then I checked the condition of their tusks, and was happy to find that all ivory seemed as it was just prior to when the old cam had gone awry. 🙂 Yes indeed, this new cam was well worth the wait. Thanks SDZSP !
Oh my goodness!!!! Thank you! Yes! The quality is so much better. Lots of color. It was well, well, worth the wait. I sure have missed seeing the Elephants. This had made my day!
Thank you SDZSP!
The new cam is “awesome!” I was so happy to see we’re back on-line but the picture-quality really astounded me. THANK YOU, SDZSP! This was worth waiting for!
Thanks for the share, Erin.
Musi looks great! I wonder what he thinks of all the other animals. He is a lucky guy to experience what he is experiencing. He looks content.
I just decided to visit the webpage of Moose’s new home. After clicking on their African Adventure link scroll down for the photos. After a picture of the lions relaxing and yawning, the next photo will show Moose. Looks like he has adapted quite well.
Missing our Elephants. Hope they are all well and looking forward to seeing them again. 😉
So glad to see that the cam will be repaired soon. Big relief that we have our “comments” format back again, but I’m sorry that all the old comments are gone–I too enjoyed reading newer ones I’d missed, and re-reading a lot of the older ones (and not just for the current blog). I was worried, too, Jan! VERY worried. Okay, going to look at the “past” video… Thanks to the monitor for the update and the “consolation prize” of Nisa-as-a-baby.
Wow! A new cam. Can’t wait to see the herd again. I hope the calves haven’t grown much. 🙂
Thank you for the up-date, Monitor.
East Coast, I miss what others shared as well. We’ll have to start over, but not so bad, we still have our Ellies and the blog. I was worried we wouldn’t have either.
Thanks for the blast from the past, Monitor. That Nisa, she such a ham and a sweetie.
Good news that the Ellie cam will soon be repaired. Such a cute video of newborn Nisa and also the other blast-from-the-past videos. But also I see a new look to the blog pages, although all of the past viewer comments have disappeared. They were very informative and really made for interesting reading. Whatever the case, this new ZooNooz format looks great.
Looks like the cam is being worked on. Hoping to see our Ellies soon. We really miss them.
Monitor’s note: Yes, the cam is down while a new camera is installed due to hardware issues. They hope to complete the work today. In the meantime, here’s a blast from the past to tide you over: Qinisa right after birth. You can find more elephant videos on the Safari Park’s YouTube channel.