10 Reasons Why it is so Hard to have a successful live birth

of an Asian Elephant

1. There are few available females capable of reproduction. Only, about 35 female Asian elephants have given birth in the last 20 years in North America.

2. Males are troublesome as adults. And, when in "mush"...can be truly unruly and hard to handle.

3. 22 month gestation period...the longest of any land mammal. Calves often weigh 250 to 300 pounds when born.

4. The opening of the female reproductive tract is located on the belly (not under the tail like a cow or horse).

5. These creatures are often 6,000 to 8,000 pounds and access to monitor the fetus during development is often difficult.

6. Female elephants that have never calved, don't understand what is happening. First time moms need extra help and time to adjust to the baby after birth.

7. A female elephant is only capable of becoming pregnant about every three to four months and then is receptive for about 72 hours.

8. Males are tested to see if they are capable of reproduction. Not all males are potential fathers.

9. Imports of Asian elephants must be second generation, capative born. They are not imported from the wild.

10. Our learning curve is steep and we are becoming better at assisting in the process. We are constantly working to improve the elephant welfare!