Smithsonian National Zoo: Asian Elephant Trails (from June 16)

In recent years there has been a lot of consideration given to the keeping of elephants at zoos.  Some institutions have removed elephants from their collection (the Virginia Zoo, the Nashville Zoo, The Philadelphia Zoo, The Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle) while other zoos have spent millions to expand and upgrade their facilities.  The Smithsonian National Zoo is in the latter camp.  At the time of the completion of the new facility only two of the herd, both aging females were kept, but quickly there numbers increase with the arrive of another older female from a zoo in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  Then 3 more elephants came from the Calgary Zoo in Canada (another zoo to end its keeping of elephants) creating a herd of sixth females.  Five of this animals are considered too old or have other issues that would make breeding them ill advised.  The sixth is a young female, Maharani, and this year she was joined by a male, Spike who came from a zoo in Florida.  Who knew that elephants live such cosmopolitan lives.

 Spike the lone male.  With Asian Elephants, only the males have tusks.

 Maharani coyly hanging out in a nearby wading pond in the shade.

Three of the older females could be found in one of the upper yards with a pool.  A hot day.  A cool pool--no brainer, right?  But one of the girls needed some coaxing from her friend that the water was alright.

 

 The remaining elephants were hanging out inside the large Elephant barn.

 Leaving the largest open space to the two love birds.

 A parting shot as they stand together at the very far end of the expansive habitat.