The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
1.
Wilderness: To succeed in conserving wilderness, people must be convinced that the existence of wilderness benefits us all on many levels – biological, cultural, economic and spiritual – and that a world without wilderness is neither acceptable nor sustainable. In the African Journey exhibit, we can deliver intimate moments with magnificent animals amidst naturalistic settings that at least evoke the different biomes of Africa. Our main objective is to showcase the animals against a backdrop of distinct biomes.
2.
Safari: Look, listen and discover - teach guests to look and observe. a.
Draw the guest(s) in by modeling how to observe. b.
Ask the guest questions that encourage her look in order to see the answers. Examples:
What is the animal doing? Why is the animal doing that? An animal sleeping is not just an animal sleeping. An animal sleeping is conserving energy (why?) or staying cool (how?) or waiting until dusk to get up and forage (why?) or playing possum (really?). Who knows?
LOOK and you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
3.
Watering hole: Water is the key to survival. The watering hole of the African plains attracts many different animals from many miles, but it can be a dangerous gathering place. The constant supply of prey provides predators like leopards and lions with a concentrated resource.
4.
Adaptations: A complex of structural, behavioral and/or physiological features of an animal which help it survive in its natural wild environment. Encourage guests to identify characteristics of Zoo animals that might help them survive in their unique wild habitats. Examples: an elephant uses its trunk as an arm, nose, and hand; an elephant uses its gigantic ears to cool itself off.
5.
Training: When we say “animal training” at the Zoo, we don’t mean teaching the animals to perform tricks. We really mean giving keepers and the animals in their care tools to communicate with each other effectively. When a keeper can train an animal to present a shoulder or move left or stand still while a particular husbandry or medical procedure is completed, the care and management of that animal can unfold in a more comprehensive and less stressful way than ever before possible. Plus, training is a form of enrichment for animals at the Zoo – it challenges them mentally, which contributes to better quality of life. See “Elephant Training Program at The
Maryland Zoo” below for more information.
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The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
6.
Status: The conservation status of species in the Zoo’s collection is determined by the IUCN
(World Conservation Union) Red List of Threatened Species. This list provides taxonomic, conservation status and distribution information on taxa that have been globally evaluated using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. This system is designed to determine the relative risk of extinction, and the main purpose of the IUCN Red List is to catalogue and highlight those taxa that are facing a higher risk of global extinction (i.e. those listed as
Critically Endangered, Endangered and Vulnerable). The IUCN Red List also includes information on taxa that are categorized as Extinct or Extinct in the Wild; on taxa that cannot be evaluated because of insufficient information (i.e. are Data Deficient); and on taxa that are either close to meeting the threatened thresholds or that would be threatened were it not for an ongoing taxon-specific conservation program (i.e. are Near Threatened). Taxa that have been evaluated to have a low risk of extinction are classified as Least Concern.
You can find Maryland Zoo species status listings on signage throughout the Zoo, as well as within these Zone Interpretation documents. See the IUCN Red List website for more information: http://www.iucnredlist.org/
7.
Enrichment: Animal enrichment occurs when novel or preferred objects or events are added to the environment. It is an area of animal care management that requires a broad knowledge of animal behavior, but also specific details about the particular animals involved. The natural history of a species should be understood as well as the individual behaviors and preferences of an animal. Providing enrichment to captive animals also takes a great deal of creativity and innovation. Although it may seem simple, there is actually a lot of thought and consideration that goes into every attempt.
Reasons for providing animals with enrichment:
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Mental and physical stimulation for the animal
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Behavioral occupation
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Prevent/combat undesirable behaviors
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Educational value for Zoo guests
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It is required by the USDA and the AZA!
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The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
Methods of enrichment:
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“Bait” exhibit – enrichment items are strategically placed in the exhibit during the morning routine before animals are given access to the enclosure. This method allows items to be more accurately placed and encourages investigative behaviors. Like any enrichment idea it can become old and routine, but does reward animals shifting between holding areas.
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Training session – causes animals to think and move in ways that they may not otherwise.
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Spontaneous rewards – Timing is essential when providing animals with enrichment items during the day. Items should not be offered unless the behavior occurring is worthy of reinforcement.
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Keeper/guest interaction – personal contact and possible feeding allows animals to interact with people they know well or that they have never met before. Some species desire this more than others and comfort level and safety must be analyzed.
Why educate about elephants?
Our goal as representatives of the Zoo is to use the interest and curiosity of our guests to create an
understanding about the species and habitats where the animals live, rather than focusing on the individual animals at the Zoo. This philosophy is true for all of the animals at the Zoo, not just elephants. It is tricky to balance answering guests’ questions, which tend to focus on individual animals, with fulfilling the Zoo’s educational mission. As an educational institution, our job is two-fold: to answer the questions guests bring AND to deliver key conservation education messages. This is definitely possible!
Helpful Hint
You have control over the answers you provide to guests. Usually the simplest, most basic answer will satisfy our guests’ needs. Let them ask you additional questions if they want more information, rather than telling them everything you know on that topic. “Less is more.”
Is there information that is better suited to the different ages of our guests?
Rule of thumb: answer the question at the age-appropriate level of the person asking the question.
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The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
The Zoo’s conservation messages come from the Elephant TAG (Aquarium and Zoo Association
Taxanomic Group for Elephants). They have a great website at http://www.elephanttag.org
Read through these messages. Think about how you can incorporate these into your conversations with guests. Aim for hitting only one or two messages in each conversation – that is a reasonable goal.
1.
Elephants have special features that are unique in the animal world.
2.
Elephant groups are related (see Social Structure above)
3.
Elephants are intelligent animals that display complex behaviors.
4.
Elephants are a keystone species that influence the composition of their environment while often benefitting other species.
5.
Training enriches the lives of animals, including elephants.
6.
Elephant managers and keepers form close bonds with their elephants.
7.
Enrichment programs provide stimulation for elephants as part of their daily care.
8.
Elephants require an environment that provides for social interaction with other elephants
and a high level of quality care.
9.
A variety of public education programs and personal interactions can inspire elephant conservation action in visitors.
10.
Elephants are under enormous pressure in the wild, which threatens their survival.
11.
The more we know about elephants, the better able we are to conserve them.
*TAG = Taxon Advisory Group; SSP = Species Survival Plan
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The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
 Felix (female)
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History is not well known to us and we may never know
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Born 1983 – 29 years old in 2012
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Wild caught at a young age
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Weight approximately 7,100 pounds and is about 7 ½ feet at the shoulder
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Arrived at MZ in December 2007 from Riddle’s, an independently managed nonprofit elephant facility near Greenbrier, Arkansas; before that, Felix was utilized in the entertainment industry
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Born without tusks; this is unusual for an African elephant but it is known to occur
 Samson (male)
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Male, born at MZ on March 19, 2008 – four years old in 2012
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Weighed 290 lbs at birth; 42 inches tall at the shoulder
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Mother is Felix; father is one of two males that mated with Felix at Riddle’s – we don’t know which bull is the father.
 Dolly (female)
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Born ~ 1976, probably in Mozambique – 36 years old in 2012
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Wild caught at a young age, possibly orphaned by poachers or in a culling
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Arrived at MZ in 1982 from a zoo in upstate New York
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Weighs approx. 8000 lb, is about 9 ft tall at the shoulder
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Very Hairy, more swayed back
 Anna (female)
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Born ~ 1975, probably in South Africa – 37 years old in 2012
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Wild caught at a young age, possibly orphaned by poachers or in a culling
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Arrived at MZ in 1983 from a small zoo in New Jersey
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Weighs approx. 8000 lb, is about 9 ft tall at the shoulder
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Taller, flatter back
 Tuffy (male)
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History is not well known to us and we may never know
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Born 1984 – 28 years old in 2012
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Wild caught at a young age
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Weighs approximately 9,500 pounds and is about 10 feet at the shoulder
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Arrived at MZ in December 2007 from Riddle’s, an independently managed nonprofit elephant facility near Greenbrier, Arkansas; before that, Tuffy was utilized in the
 entertainment industry
Tuffy’s tusks were removed when he was younger; we do not know the circumstances
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The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore

Characteristics o Extremely large ears shaped like continent of Africa, used to cool off on hot days o 2 finger like projections on end of trunk o Ridges on teeth coarser and fewer than on Asian elephants o Tend to be larger than Asian elephants, although there are exceptions o Male and female African elephants have pronounced tusks
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Status o Elephants are protected in the wild under CITES and listed as Vulnerable by IUCN.
According to USFWS their conservation status is identified as endangered in Asia, and threatened in Africa. o Elephant populations are declining in some areas, while locally overpopulated in others.
The greatest threats to elephants in the wild are habitat destruction, the continued illegal trade in ivory and the increase or encroachment of human populations. One strategy to reconnect elephants’ natural migratory routes links protected areas together by creating habitat corridors, allowing elephant populations to mix and potentially decrease human/elephant conflict. o Elephant conservation is extremely complex and must take into account both human and animal needs. Negative elephant/human interactions include crop loss, human fatalities, and damage to houses and other constructions. Positive interactions include ecotourism, especially when the local community benefits from the tourist revenues.
Seeing elephants in their natural environment may create inspirational experiences that foster positive attitudes towards elephants. Creative solutions to human/elephant conflicts must involve the local people and benefit them as well as elephants.
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Habitat: Deep forest, open savannas, river valleys, thorn bush, wet marshes, semi-desert scrub
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Diet o Wild Diet: Herbivore. Grasses, leaves, branches, roots, fruits, tree bark o Zoo Diet
 Primarily hay, elephant grain and produce
 Each adult female eats as much as 150 lbs of food a day. An adult male can eat up to 200 lbs.
 Treats include apple fiber biscuits and produce
 Peanuts are not included in diet due to very high fat content. NOT a healthy treat.
 Can hold up to 3 gallons of water in their trunks
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Active: Diurnal
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The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
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Life Span o Average of 45 years but can live into their 60s o At the Zoo:
 Environmental conditions are consistent (no droughts)
 Elephants eat healthy diets every day
 Elephants receive excellent medical care
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Reproduction/Offspring o Single young per birth; twins are possible o Have the longest gestation of any animal - about 21-23 months o Calves weigh from 150-300 pounds at birth
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Height o Male: up to 12 ft o Female: up to 9 ft
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Weight o Male: up to 14,000 lbs o Female: up to 9,000 lbs
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Social Structure o In general, older, experienced females lead elephant families (matriarchal herds). Female herd members are usually related but occasionally non-related individuals join to form families. o Female family members often stay together for their entire lives o Young bulls leave family groups as they mature. Bulls are sometimes solitary in adulthood but at times associate in bachelor groups and are in chemosensory (scent) and infrasonic
(below range of human hearing) communication with other elephants in their area. Adult bulls usually associate with matriarchal herds for breeding purposes only.
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The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
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Adaptation: A complex of structural, behavioral and/or physiological features of an animal which help it survive in its natural wild environment. Encourage guests to identify features of elephants that might help them survive in their wild habitat. o Trunk
 Responsible for feeding, watering, sound production, defense and dust bathing
 Modified nose & upper lip, has approximately 150,000 different muscles
 Functions much like human arm, can scratch, push, pull, lift, feel, smell
 Sense of smell is better than any breed of dog o Teeth
 4 teeth in mouth: 2 molars on the top, 2 on the bottom
 Each tooth about the size of a brick
 Each has a flat surface to chew hay & grass (herbivorous diet)
 Cycle through 6 sets of teeth in a lifetime o Tusks
 Modified teeth (incisors) made of ivory
 Used for digging, chipping bark off trees, defense
 Ivory in tusks very valuable - the reason many elephants have been killed o Feet
 Highly specialized
 Heavily padded
 Walk on tiptoe - padding functions as shock absorber o Skin
 Very thick in some spots, very thin in others and wrinkled
 Wrinkles provide increased surface area for dispersing heat
 Gray, but since they cover themselves with dirt (dust bathe), they appear to be the color of the dirt where they live
 Splash cool mud all over body to help keep skin cool and to protect from sun and insects o Ears
 Very large, containing many blood vessels. As an elephant flaps its ears, the blood in the ear cools off and then circulates throughout the body, lowering body temperature.
 All the blood in an elephant’s body passes through the ears roughly ever 20 minutes
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The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
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Internationally recognized system for pairing animals for breeding
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AZA accredited zoos participate in SSPs
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Insures genetic diversity and prevents animals from being over-represented in captivity
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Especially important because wild and captive populations of elephants are declining. MZ is committed to doing whatever it can to help this situation- what is learned in zoos can be used to help save elephants in the wild.
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Insures future generations of visitors can visit a zoo to observe and learn about these amazing animals and inspires people to care enough to support conservation efforts
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Baby elephants would help increase the elephant population and add new genes to the present gene pool
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Pertains to both natural reproduction and AI (artificial insemination) programs
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Tuffy will donate sperm to add to the genetic diversity of the captive elephant population. He has no offspring yet.
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The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
How are the elephants managed?
Our elephants are managed according to our program’s philosophy and practices in such a way as to ensure high levels of safety for the staff and the animals while still providing optimal care and attention to the elephants. Each elephant is different regardless of whether they are male or female.
Tuffy, the male, is handled in a restricted contact system.
Training
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Specific behaviors are trained that allow the keepers to manage and care for elephants safely and effectively
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Elephants do not perform “tricks.” Each trained behavior or task has a specific reason and allows keepers to manage and care for the elephants safely and effectively. Training also provides mental and physical stimulation, which are extremely beneficial to the elephants.
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Elephants are taught to lift up feet, lie down, open mouth, raise or lower trunk, in addition to many others behaviors. Training these behaviors helps keepers care for the elephants properly and provide medical treatments when necessary.
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Important for keepers and elephants to practice behaviors daily
S.T.A.R.S. Program (Standardized Training and Reinforcement System)
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Allows “free contact” between keeper and female elephants
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Relies entirely on operant conditioning and positive reinforcement: elephants are positively reinforced each time a behavior is completed correctly
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Training guide is utilized as extension of keeper’s arm to provide directional cues. Guide indicates direction and body part the elephant is being asked to move and leads the elephant through specific movements.
***Please remember to avoid discussing internal-only information and use only approved reliable content sources. Be careful what you read on the internet!
Resources:
African Journey: An Interpretation Guide by S. Evans & K. Foat
Maryland Zoo Animal Inventories (Animal Department)
Animal Diversity Web: http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/index.html
Elephant TAG website: http://www.elephanttag.org
Elephant WILD Encounter script
Elephant Interpretation documents written by Maryland Zoo Education and Animal Department staff
Training information provided by Maryland Zoo Animal Department staff
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