WHY HAVE THE ELEPHANTS MOVED?

Recent visitors to Expedition Asia may have noticed that the female and male elephants have switched yards. Normally the larger yard that is connected to the presentation yard houses our female elephants, while a smaller yard is used for our solitary male, Rex.

For a few months, Rex will be in the larger yard, and occasionally be used in the Elephant demonstration (only on weekends, weather permitting.)

Rex, a male Asian Elephant. His tusks were trimmed after repeatedly getting stuck in the netting for hay bales. Photo by Jamie West 

We are simply preparing for the birth of our new baby elephant. This smaller yard is the 'baby proof' yard. The small pool can be drained in about a minute, and there are no tough hills to climb or slopes to tumble down.

The Pachyderm team is just preparing for a safe birth should Asha go into labor outside, rather than in her maternity stall inside the Elephant Barn. Chandra and Malee will be with Asha throughout the daytime hours. The aunt and young elephant will stay together in their own stall while Asha sleeps in the maternity stall so that the team can be ready if the baby comes at night.

Once the baby is born it will be like any human birth process (give or take a few hundred pounds!) The baby will be 'finger printed', weight and such, a process that takes very little time and then the baby will be back with mama for the important first bonding moments!