Dear Colleagues,
I am excited to share the most recent updates on the progress of the AZA Elephant Strategy. Our collective efforts and dedication have led to significant advancements strengthening our commitment to elephant management and wellbeing.
AZA Annual Conference Session
A session titled "Cultivating Collaboration: A Comprehensive Update on the Implementation of AZA's Elephant Strategy" will be held on Thursday, September 19, at 8 AM. This session will provide a thorough update on the year-long progress of the strategy's implementation. We will cover key topics, including the accomplishments achieved under the strategy so far, the latest developments regarding EEHV and the newly developed EEHV vaccine, current projections for elephant population trends, and insights into future planning for elephant-holding facilities.
Elephant Animal Care Manual
We are excited that the first draft of the elephant wellbeing chapter of the Elephant Animal Care Manual has been completed. Animal Care Manuals take extensive work to complete, this is a major feat showcasing the elephant community coming together to get work done!
Centralized Resources and Information
As the strategy progresses, we continue to produce and centralize documents that outline the changes, reviews, and outcomes associated with our efforts. To keep the AZA community well-informed, the following approved documents have been posted to the Elephant Strategy community:
- AZA Elephant TAG Documents:
o SSP Breeding and Transfer Plan Process
o SSP Composition and Operations
- AZA Elephant Program Annual Report Process
- Defining Optimal Care and Thriving for Elephants in AZA Care
These documents, approved by the Elephant TAG, Animal Population Management Committee, and the AZA office, provide valuable insights and updates. If you are interested in staying informed about the progress of the AZA Elephant Strategy, we encourage you to join the AZA Elephant Strategy community on the AZA Network.
2024 Elephant TAG Mid-Year Meeting
On the week of August 12, Milwaukee County Zoo hosted the 2024 AZA Elephant TAG Mid-Year Meeting. Over two days, around 24 speakers provided updates on various topics including SSP updates, SAFE updates, EEHV, elephant pregnancy and labor, and many more important topics in elephant management. Here are a few highlights:
Species Survival Plan Updates
· African Elephant SSP:
o 165 elephants (47 males, 118 females) live in 33 AZA-accredited facilities
o 8 confirmed pregnancies
o 6 births (4 males, 2 females) in 2023
o 5 births (3 males, 2 females) in 2024
· Asian Elephant SSP:
o 158 elephants (48 males, 110 females) live in 30 AZA-accredited facilities
o Up to 13 pregnancies
o 3 births (2 males, 1 female) in 2023
o 0 births (2 expected births) in 2024
EEHV Vaccine Update
Dr. Paul Ling from Baylor College of Medicine provided an insightful overview of the new EEHV vaccination trials, detailing the development process and the promising outcomes anticipated from these trials. This groundbreaking effort represents a significant advancement in our mission to protect elephants from the deadly EEHV disease.
AZA Elephant Standards Review
Sharon Joseph conducted a workshop with the Elephant TAG Steering Committee to gather valuable feedback on the current AZA Elephant Standards. This workshop is a critical step in the process of refining the standards before submitting proposed changes to the AZA Accreditation Commission. By involving elephant experts in this collaborative effort, we ensure that the standards are continually improved and updated, allowing for the introduction of new guidelines where necessary.
Development of a Wellbeing Assessment Protocol
The wellbeing working group has developed a draft document that includes wellbeing assessment strategies, a risk assessment model for transfers, and considerations for both sending and receiving facilities. This model has been trialed with multiple facilities and the document has been distributed for TAG review and comment. This initiative aims to standardize wellbeing assessments and enhance the care provided to elephants during transfers.
These accomplishments demonstrate our ongoing commitment to advancing elephant care and sustainability. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to these successes. Your hard work and collaboration are vital to the continued success of the AZA Elephant Strategy.
Best regards,
Lisa New
AZA Board Chair
APMC Board Liaison