Born the size of a jelly bean, koalas travel to their mother’s pouch where they stay until they are old enough to cling onto her back.
Elephant Birth Info
1. When are the pregnant elephants due to give birth?
We are extremely proud to announce that our female Thong Dee gave birth to the Australia's first elephant calf at 3.08am on the 4th July 2009. This birth is a huge step in the conservation & breeding program for this species in Australia.
There are a further two females also pregnant at Taronga Zoo. Elephant pregnancies last anywhere from 20 to 22 months.Our matriarch Porntip is due around the start of March 2010 and Pak Boon is due around November 2010.
2. Are there any special preparations you've had to make?
We have put in place incredibly detailed and extensive plans to support all our pregnant females. These were a huge success during the birth of Thong Dee's calf and will continue for our remaining pregnancies. These plans include dietary and fitness programs, preparing of specialised veterinary equipment, barn fit out for the arrival of a young calves and a world renowned expert in elephant reproduction is available to assist from the first signs of labour.
Taronga's elephant manager has over 30 years experience with elephants and assisted in many births. He is integrated into the social structure of the elephant herd and will participate as an "auntie" during the birth process.
3. What are the chances of success?
It is very important for people to realise that all our pregnant females will be first time mothers. Despite every precaution and all preparations, statistically there is around a 40 - 50% mortality rate with first-time elephant pregnancies. The zoo is actively planning for success, but must acknowledge the possibility of other outcomes during the birth of any of the elephant calves.
4. Where will the elephants be during the birth?
Many elephant births occur overnight. The elephants family will be in their heated barn as the onset of labour begins. It is very important that all the elephants are close by during the birth process to learn, bond and gain experience from these events.
Keepers that are closely bonded to the elephants will be with them throughout the births and experienced vets will also be on site.
5. How long does it take for an elephant to give birth?
Elephant labour can vary from one hour to a few days. A team of keepers and specialist vets will be with them throughout the entire process to assist and help out where necessary.
6 .Does the mother give birth lying down?
No, elephants give birth standing up, but they sometimes squat.
7. How big is an elephant calf?
Asian Elephant calves can weigh between 90kg - 110 kg at birth.
8. How much does it eat?
The calf suckles milk from its mother, generally taking around 12 litres each day.
9. How long will it nurse for?
Baby elephants are usually dependent on mother's milk for up to three years, although they can be weaned at two years of age. By the time a calf is nine months old, 40 per cent of its diet is vegetation. The calf learns how and what to eat by watching the older elephants.
10. Can a calf use its trunk?
It takes time for a calf to acquire trunk coordination. At first it may only be able to wave it around in the air, suck on it or trip over it. However within a week the calf has usually gained enough control to try picking up and carrying small objects and food.
11. When can visitors see the calf?
After the calves are born, as long as everything goes OK, a mother and calf will spend a lot of time in the heated barn to bond and build their relationship. So you won't be able to see anything for a while.
While we realise an elephant birth is an exciting event we hope our visitors will understand that the health of our females and new born calves is our paramount priority.
We'll make sure public announcements are made to let people know when calves will be outside and can be seen. Large plasma screens are installed around the elephant exhibit so visitors are able to view events as they unfold in the barn via CCTV camera footage.
12. How did the female elephants get pregnant?
Our male elephant Gung has impregnated two of our female elephants - Thong Dee and Pak Boon. He is the first and only male elephant in Australia to ever achieve this.
Our female matriarch - Porntip became pregnant through artificial insemination. This was performed by a world renowned team of elephant reproduction specialists from the Berlin Institute of Zoo Biology and Wildlife Research. This artificial insemination technique is vital to the genetic diversity and health of the future elephant herd to ensure that the calves are not all related.
13. Were the elephants old enough to breed?
All the female elephants were given a reproductive assessment prior to taking part in the breeding program at the Zoo. These assessments were undertaken by Dr Thomas Hildebrandt a world-renowned specialist in elephant reproduction from the Berlin Institute of Zoo Biology and Wildlife Research. All the elephants were found to be reproductively mature and suitable for participation in the breeding program. Thong Dee was recommended for breeding straight away and with Gung's help became pregnant several months after this recommendation.
14. Will there be room at the Zoo for the elephants and their calves?
The elephant barn and paddocks were designed using international standards and can accommodate four elephant cows and four calves, but we won't have that many for some years to come. As part of the program female calves will stay with their mothers for life just as they would naturally. Male calves will move from the main herd as they mature. This movement of young males is also part of the normal natural lifecycle and space will be provided for them at other Zoo's who will participate in the conservation program.
15. What is the point of the breeding program?
These pregnancies, if successful will be the starting point for a self sustaining Asian Elephant population in Australia, one of the main goals of the breeding and conservation program.
The other goals are to raise awareness of issues affecting the survival of Asian Elephants and to raise funds for conservation programs for elephants throughout Asia.
