Celery and Carrot

Female elephant normally have a calf every three to four years, and they are extremely devoted and protective mothers.  But, not all of them are successful mothers -- such was the case with Celery. 

Although I have known Celery for over a decade, I had never seen her with a calf  -- that is until March of 2011 when we found her nursing a beautiful baby girl!   Sadly, on April 15, we recorded that Celery’s calf was missing -- she had only survived for one month.  

Celery with her baby girl just days before she died

However, another tragic event has given Celery the chance to become a doting mother, after all.  This past December, the Vegetable family was devastated by the death of matriarch, Garbanza.   She left behind two young male calves – 8-year-old Asparagus and Cauliflower, born in September of 2009; fortunately, he was old enough to survive without his mother’s milk. 

When I saw the family the following month, Celery had clearly “adopted” the two boys, and it was obvious that they had become very attached to her, as well – especially young Cauliflower who spends much of his time by Celery’s side.  To an outside observer, there would be no doubt that Celery was the mother of these two boys. 

Celery with Cauliflower and Asparagus

Asparagus is now approaching the age when he will be forced to leave the family and go out on his own.  But, I feel certain that three-year-old Cauliflower will continue to receive from Celery all of the love and attention that he will need over the next few years to grow into a proper young bull.

Another member of the Vegetable family, Carrot, also has not had success as a mother.  She has given birth to calves in 2003, 2005, and 2008, but none of them have survived.  This has to have been devastating for her as elephant mothers love their babies in much the same way that we do.  They will often stay with a sick or injured calf – even if the family has to move on – and grieving female elephant have been seen carrying their dead baby on their tusks.

Carrot nursing healthy baby Zucchini

In the fall of 2011, Carrot, again, gave birth.  But, this time her baby has survived!  Now eleven months old, young Zucchini is a healthy baby whose future is bright.

Next time, meet the Cheeses – my best elephant friends.