Trunk Tales – the Elephants of the Houston Zoo

Elephants live in a matriarchal society meaning that herds of elephants generally consist of adult females with their calves.  Baylor and Tupelo spend every day with Shanti and Tess (their mothers) and the rest of the Houston Zoo herd.  Thailand, the zoo’s 45 year old bull elephant, is the father of both calves.   Thai often spends his day in one yard with the herd in the other yard. 

Thai and Baylor

Adult bull elephants are generally solitary creatures.  But, sometimes zoo guests can see Thai in the same yard as the herd.  That is one of the many things that makes Thai a very special bull elephant.  Thai is very good with baby elephants and seems enjoy socializing with the herd.  Baylor and Tupelo also seem to love spending time with Thai.  The calves follow him around and mimic many of his behaviors.  Thai will even sometimes play with the calves and share is hay!  Thai is an excellent father!

Thai and Tupelo

Celebrate Dad by giving him a memorable Father’s Day gift this year – name a Houston Toad after him! With your gift, you help us support Houston Toads, a critically endangered species native to Texas. Click here to learn more about Houston Toads and how you can further the Houston Zoo’s conservation efforts that help ensure their survival. (www.houstonzoo.org/name-a-toad )

Thai, Baylor, Tupelo, & Methai

Come visit the newly-named toads on June 19 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. as we celebrate a TOAD-ally Awesome Father’s Day at the Houston Zoo. This fun, family event will be filled with crafts, activities, Houston Toad info and much more! This event is FREE with your paid Zoo admission.

Written by: Kim Klein, Houston Zoo Elephant Keeper

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