Posted 12/15/2003 2:13:33 PM by Editor
News from Ringling press release viewed 982 times
Monday, December 15, 2003 - Vienna, VA
New calf is the offspring of Ringling Bros.' bred elephants, expanding the largest gene pool outside of Asia. "While each Asian elephant birth is a cause for celebration, we are particularly thrilled with Riccardo's arrival," stated Kenneth Feld, CEO.
SECOND-GENERATION ASIAN ELEPHANT BIRTH UNDERSCORES SUCCESS OF RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM & BAILEY'S CONSERVATION PROGRAM
New calf is the offspring of Ringling Bros.' bred elephants, expanding the largest gene pool outside of Asia.
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® unveils white paper on the state of the Asian elephant in the 21st century
Vienna, VA-On December 5, 2003 at 9:25 a.m., Riccardo, a 232-pound male, Asian elephant, joined the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Center for Elephant Conservation (CEC) family. This newborn's arrival is historic, as he is the first offspring from two elephants born into the Ringling Bros. breeding program -- a pioneering second-generation birth at the Center, which opened in 1995 in Central Florida. Riccardo is the first offspring from Ringling Bros.' bred elephants, Shirley and Romeo.
Riccardo is the 16th Asian elephant born into Ringling Bros.' care and the most recent of five calves born during the past three years - with three more calves on the way!
Recent Births
* PT-May 2002
* Asha-March 2002
* Rudy-January 2002
* Gunther-November 2002
* Sara-April 2001
Second-Generation Asian Elephant Birth
"While each Asian elephant birth is a cause for celebration, we are particularly thrilled with Riccardo's arrival," stated Kenneth Feld, CEO and Chairman of Feld Entertainment, Inc. "The second-generation birth represents unprecedented success in our strides toward conservation of the species, creating a more diverse gene pool and additional opportunities to share our work and the knowledge gained at the CEC worldwide. We are living up to our credo "Endangered Species? Not if we can help it."
"The size of our elephant population and the diversity of our gene pool increases research opportunities for both domestic and international scientists. It is critical to the survival of the species that we continue to work with others around the world, who are focused on the severity of the problem. Without monumental efforts Asian elephants may cease to exist as a wild species within the next two decades," says John Kirtland, Executive Director of Animal Stewardship for Feld Entertainment.
Immediately following Riccardo's birth, Ringling Bros. released a white paper on the State of the Asian elephant (available on www.elephantcenter.com) reflecting much of what is being said by experts worldwide. This research paper highlights the loss of the Asian elephant's natural habitat while specifically focusing upon what must be done in order for this species to survive. The study reveals that second generation births are essential to genetic diversity and in sustaining the Asian elephant population. With the assistance of human care in successful breeding programs, including Ringling Bros.' program at the CEC, it is apparent that elephant populations outside of Asia do play a critical role in conserving the entire Asian elephant species.
Points for Perspective
- Less than 40,000 Asian elephants currently exist in the world today, and the population is quickly dwindling. Additionally, the aging population in North American zoos is rapidly nearing demographic extinction.
- Asian elephants have been on the Endangered Species List since 1976. Their African cousins are considered threatened and there are 10 times more African elephants on Earth than there are Asian elephants.
- With more than 50 Asian elephants in its care, Ringling Bros. has the largest and most genetically diverse herd outside of Southeast Asia.
"Second-generation births in captive animal management programs are one indication that the biological and social needs of the individual animals are being appropriately addressed. It also reflects the level of commitment the organization has made to a long-term propagation program. Ringling Bros.' successful captive Asian elephant propagation program is remarkable since it began a relatively short time ago," says Mike Keele, Deputy Director of the Oregon Zoo and Chair of the AZA Elephant TAG/SSP.
Second-Generation Asian Elephant Birth
The Ringling Bros. Center for Elephant Conservation (CEC) was founded by Feld Entertainment, the parent company of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® , to keep Asian elephants alive for future generations. Built in1995, this 200-acre, state-of-the-art facility was designed for the conservation, breeding, scientific study and retirement of the Asian elephant. Ringling Bros. shares its knowledge with veterinary and scientific communities worldwide. For example, Ringling Bros. provides companion Asian elephants to U.S. zoos when needed and participates in conservation efforts in Thailand and other parts of Southeast Asia. For more information about this birth and the Ringling Bros. Center for Elephant Conservation visit www.elephantcenter.com..
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