Why is it necessary for Keepers to assist the elephants in the birth process?
In a wild herd of elephants females gain birthing and maternal experience from a very young age through witnessing many births in the herd. By the time it’s their turn they are prepared for the event and have a support structure of older experienced females. Our females at Taronga Zoo were born in captive elephant camps in Thailand. They have very little or, in some cases, no experience of the birth process and newborn calves. Our elephants have very close bonds with the Keepers who have been part of their social group for many years. The Keepers provide the support structure for the elephant mother and the newborn calf to ensure the birth process is as smooth and calm as possible. With every successful birth the elephants are gaining experience which will assist them greatly in the future. As the elephants participate in more births the roles and support structure required by the Keepers will diminish.
