We're Pregnant!!!

BarTopDancer · 08-26-2008, 09:45 PM

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

ozron · 08-26-2008, 11:55 PM

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.

BarTopDancer · 08-27-2008, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ozron

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.

Squirt!

08-26-2008, 09:45 PM	#1
BarTopDancer Prepping... Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Here, there, everywhere Posts: 11,405	No, it's ok. I'll wait for pictures of the babyfant. __________________ Spork is the new MacGyver Postcards From My Edge
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08-26-2008, 11:55 PM	#2
ozron The once and former... Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 421	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. __________________ http://www.portlandspirit.com/deadhusband.php
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