As a result of the participation of the Valencian park in the international conservation project of this emblematic African species in danger of extinction, the second elephant born in the Community is evolving very favorably.
Just a week ago BIOPARC Valencia announced with enormous satisfaction the birth of the second African elephant in the Community. A fact of enormous relevance taking into account the serious threat of disappearance that it faces the largest land animal that exists. Habitat loss and poaching continue to decimate the populations of this giant and The conservationist world reacted to try to prevent its extinction. In addition to the actions carried out in the places of origin to stop this debacle, it is necessary to try to guarantee their survival through international controlled breeding programs. In this sense, with the commitment to the preservation of biodiversity, the BIOPARC Foundation supports these measures and the Valencian park herd is a key piece towards a more hopeful future.
The magnificent weather has made it possible for the “baby” elephant to begin exploring the outdoor area of its indoor enclosure at a week old and the team has been able to verify that it is a male.
The arrival of the spring season, with very pleasant temperatures and wonderful sunny days, is allowing BIOPARC's herbivore care staff to advance in the well-being protocol for Maja and her “baby”. Maintaining the necessary caution in a newborn, the natural upbringing It is evolving optimally and the shoot is very active and alert., instinctively following his mother. Although each step is an “adventure”, they have already begun to explore the outdoor area of their indoor enclosure, which brings enormous benefits to the “little elephant” who enjoys the first rays of sun. It is truly touching to observe the delicate maternal behavior and, at the same time, the movements of the calf when it discovers its trunk or tries to reach any element that catches its attention. Likewise, recording all this progress has made it easier to clearly observe the little one and determine that he is a male.
With appropriate caution, the technical team determines the actions aimed at providing the maximum well-being and, little by little, the integration patterns in the pack will be activated. The presentations, rituals, roles and character of each elephant must be taken into account and this process will take as long as necessary.
For now, little Makena, just over a year old, shows her curiosity and the rest of the group reflects great interest in the small. Except for the newborn and his mother, the herd is visible to people who visit BIOPARC in the area that recreates the savanna and is completed with five females, including Makena's mother, and one male.
El savanna elephant (Loxodonta africana) is included in the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and, once again, BIOPARC calls for “taking action” because it is essential to bravely face the protection of these species. Likewise, it is necessary to emphasize the importance of mobilizing society towards the protection of the environment by bringing the beauty of wild nature closer.
