BALTIMORE, MD – The Maryland Zoo today announced that it is transitioning to an all-male herd of African elephants (Loxodonta africana) with plans to add additional bulls in the future.
The move to create what’s known as a “bachelor herd” was made in close collaboration with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) African Elephant Species Survival Plan © (SSP).
Moving bull elephants into the Maryland Zoo benefits the African elephant population across North America by opening up needed space at zoos that have breeding-age females. The new plan also builds on Maryland Zoo’s growing success collecting reproductive samples from bull elephants for artificial insemination at AZA facilities with breeding plans.
As part of the transition, the Zoo’s lone female, Felix, will be transferred later next week to another accredited facility. Although she engages with the Zoo’s two bull elephants, the passing of the Zoo’s other female in 2024 limited her social opportunities. After careful consideration, it was decided that a move is in Felix’s best long-term interests.
“Female elephants form supportive groups much more than males, who have loose coalitions but frequently spend time on their own,” said Erin Cantwell Grimm, Mammal Curator at Maryland Zoo. “We will all miss her but having social companionship in a female herd is the best thing for Felix’s overall wellbeing.”
“This move is a win-win-win for all involved,” said Zoo President and CEO, Kirby Fowler. “Zoo guests will be able to enjoy an active male herd in Baltimore as we support breeding programs in other accredited facilities. And, Felix will once again be in the company of female elephants.”
Felix, a 7,450-pound female, is beloved by Zoo guests and staff. She has lived at Maryland Zoo for nineteen years and is the mother of the Zoo’s younger bull, Samson, who was born in Baltimore in March of 2008 and would naturally separate from his birth mother and herd by his mid-teenage years.
At 43 years old, Felix is in good health for an elephant her age thanks to a comprehensive care plan that includes diet, physical conditioning, environmental enrichment, and first-rate veterinary care. Her new facility has extensive experience caring for older elephants.
As with any animal transport, Felix’s safety and comfort are the Zoo’s top priority. Keepers have spent several weeks getting her acclimated to a large, specially-designed carrier. Maryland Zoo keepers will also accompany her at every step of the journey and remain with Felix for several days as she acclimates to her new home.
There is no timetable yet for the arrival of additional males to the Zoo’s herd.
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