Through the years , the Zoo has been working to assist 32-yearold Mikki to become pregnant through artificial insemination ( AI ), a technique commonly used for cattle , horses and even people . In the 1990s , experts developed a method to bring the technology to elephants . AI resulted in the birth of Mikki ’ s first calf , Scotty , more than ten years ago .
Many Zoo visitors will recall the delight and wonder that Scotty brought to the elephant habitat for three years as a fun-loving , rambunctious elephant calf . Sadly , he passed away due to complications of colic , a condition not uncommon in many elephants and horses . “ Thinking of the birth and passing of Scotty , even to this day , is very emotional for me ,” said Steve .
It has been eight years since Scotty passed away and Mikki is still a healthy , fertile elephant who by nature would typically seek out a male elephant with whom to breed . “ For Mikki , raising an elephant calf is the most natural thing an elephant can do . Adding a calf to Mikki and Punch ’ s group will also strengthen the strong familial bond they already share ,” said Louisville Zoo Senior Veterinarian Dr . Zoli Gyimesi .
However , separating the two elephants and transporting Mikki to another Zoo could inhibit breeding and relocating a bull elephant to the Louisville Zoo would result in stress for all of the elephants involved — aside from the rather large question of logistical feasibility . AI allows the Louisville Zoo to give Mikki the opportunity to mother another calf , safeguards the familial bonds of the elephants , and still maintains the highest levels of welfare for our animals .
Though it has proven effective , AI is not always successful and typically requires multiple endeavors . Each time Mikki undergoes AI , the Zoo makes every effort to ensure her safety and comfort . Each AI attempt is carried out by expertly trained staff who treat Mikki with the utmost care and respect . Many of these same staff , including Dr . Dennis Schmitt – the leading elephant reproductive specialist in the country — were involved in the successful AI and birth of Scotty .
With everything we do regarding animal care , it ’ s important to monitor the animal ’ s health and behavioral reactions . That ’ s why the Zoo partnered with Dr . Brent White , Emeritus Professor of Psychology and Animal Behavior at Centre College , to conduct a soon-tobe-published study that monitors cortisol levels in our elephants — a hormone associated with measuring stress . We have also conducted similar studies with other animals including our polar and grizzly bears , elephants and gorillas . The elephant study showed that Mikki ’ s cortisol levels during recent exhibit construction and AI are similar to patterns on a regular day , a strong indication that neither activity appears to have caused Mikki additional stress .
In the happy event that Mikki becomes pregnant , we will remain cautiously optimistic as usual . Elephant pregnancy can be a complicated process , and with a 22-month gestation , it ’ s a long road to birth .
Pictured at left : Asian elephant Punch .
Preserving Their Legacy
The sad reality is that approximately 96 African elephants die in the remnant wild every day due to poaching , placing these magnificent creatures in danger of becoming extinct in the next 20 years . Meanwhile , Asian elephants could be extinct in three generations . With the situation for elephants in the remnant wild so precarious , it is important for those who truly care about elephants to take action . AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums are often the only way that children and families can connect with wildlife and nature firsthand and where they can also learn how to take specific conservation action .
So , how can you help and do your part to preserve this dwindling elephant population ? A portion of your admission or membership to the Louisville Zoo supports conservation partners like AZA , International Elephant Foundation and others worldwide . By visiting AZA-accredited facilities , you help to make possible the field conservation , research , habitat restoration , reduction of humanelephant conflicts and communitybased initiatives that are necessary to protect wild populations .
Thanks for your support of Mikki and Punch at the Louisville Zoo , and for your support of elephant conservation and education worldwide .
* AZA-accredited facilities meet rigorous , mandatory standards for animal care and welfare , which include high and detailed standards for the care of elephants . The AZA Standards for Elephant Management and Care are based on the expertise and scientific study of the AZA Elephant Taxon Advisory Group , which maintains an extensive network of scientific advisors covering the disciplines of nutrition , veterinary medicine , pathology , behavior , reproduction , population management , education and research .
10 • Louisville Zoo Trunkline • Spring 2018