No, it's ok. I'll wait for pictures of the babyfant.

Rose-Tu and baby are now together with unrestricted contact (still under supervision). As of this evening, the calf is getting 100% of his nourishment from mom!

Naming a baby elephant in Portland is a very public process! Keepers will get to know the calf for a little while before suggesting three or four names. The names will most likely be voted on by the public.

The pair are expected to be available for viewing later in the week.

Animal rights groups are not advocating release for the baby. Their main argument (a debate that has been ongoing for years) is that elephants do not belong in zoos. The size of the typical enclosure is too small and the surfaces the animals stand on are not healthy for an elephant's feet.

At 1.6 acres, our exhibit exeeds AZA standard for our Asian elephant herd. Over the past 20 years, improvements in the types and variety of floor and yard surfaces have markedly improved the herd's foot health, and we have been a leader in research in foot care, hosting the first international symposium on the subject about five years ago.

Nevertheless, the animal rights groups have their own agenda. They want the elephants off exhibit and put in private reserves. Now we have an upcoming bond measure that would expand the elephants' space to around 6 acres, but they will fight it. If we won't use their plan, they will deny us the means to improve what we have. Go figure.

Here's a thought: these groups (except the most radical) rarely target dogs, cats and horses. After all, these animals have been domesticated, bred and trained as working and companion animals for thousands of years. They are no longer suited for lafe in the wild.

The Asian elephant has also been domesticated, bred and trained as a working animal for thousands of years. Percentage wise, only a few exist in the wild. In Asia, they have enjoyed a symbiotic relationship with their mahouts for generations.

Squirt!

I am an evil woman. I kept mimicking the wailing baby elephant sounds last night to Ken whenever he'd leave the room. It replaced my playful whining that I sometimes spout, and was much more annoying! Of course, this was after he watched the video and agreed that it's the saddest sound he's ever heard. :evil:

cirquelover, thanks for the update and eyewitness account.

Ron, awesome news that the little dude is back with mom. I hope you are able to go through with the plans for the new enclosure. Did you ever see that Nature episode on PBS where the two former circus elephants were reunited? It makes me cry every time I see it. Here's some info about it.

If you really want to mess with his ego, start making that sound when y'all are gettin' busy.

I watched the video, with sound and decided that Squirt was just talking to the cameras.

So there.

Awww, I just watched the video, how effin cute is he? I'm glad to read "Squirt" and his Rose-Tu are getting along now.

I remember that, it was heart warming and sad all in the same breath!


I saw on the news tonight that Rose-tu and her baby are getting along perfectly. They showed a pic of baby sleeping with Mom, it was so cute!