Asian elephant

Today only the African and the Asian elephant species roam on earth and both are an endangered species. It is estimated that less than 35,000 Asian elephants survive today in the wild. The greatest threat to the wild Asian elephant is the rapid destruction of the elephant habitat in southern Asia.

Elephants are the largest living land animals. An adult male Asian elephant stands about 2.8 metres tall at the shoulders and weighs about 4,500 kilograms. Females are slightly smaller. Elephants have the second longest life span of any living mammal, second only to man.

African Lion Safari maintains one of the most successful breeding programmes for Asian elephants in North America.

• The park is home to the largest Asian elephant herd in any zoological facility in North America; the park is home to 16 elephants.
• The park maintains excellent genetic diversity with 13 calves being born originating from 5 different fathers and 6 different mothers.
• The park has had more second generation births that any other facility in North America.
• The park welcomed the first artificially inseminated elephant born in Canada in November 2009.

African Lion Safari has participated in a number of important research programmes on the Asian elephant focusing on reproduction and endocrinology. It is hoped that through this research we can better understand the biology and physiology of the Asian elephant.

African Lion Safari’s goal is to continue its successful breeding programme for the endangered Asian elephant to conserve these magnificent animals for future generations.

African Lion Safari is a founding member of the International Elephant Foundation, a non-profit organization established to offer expertise and provide funds to support elephant conservation programmes world wide.

Watch the birth of "Emily"

Click on the link below to watch video. Parental guidance recommended.

» Video

Elephants born at African Lion Safari: