Three Asian elephants have joined the Tulsa Zoo family, arriving from the Houston Zoo on Tuesday. The newcomers—adult Shanti (36), her daughter Joy (9) and one‑year‑old calf Kirby—are part of a long‑term plan to build a healthy, well‑cared‑for herd.
Elephants and the Oxley Family Elephant Experience
“The Mary K. and John T. Oxley Family Elephant Experience and Preserve was designed to care for Asian elephants at every stage of life, including geriatric and breeding‑age adults, and calves,” said Tulsa Zoo President and CEO Lindsay Hutchinson. “We’re thrilled to see the hard work and dedication of our staff, volunteers, board members, donors, and Tulsa voters come to fruition as we welcome these three new additions into our Tulsa Zoo family.”
Shanti, the largest of the trio, is easily recognized by her heart‑shaped head, strawberry‑blonde hair at the ear openings, and the heart‑shaped tip of her trunk. She is the mother of both Joy and Kirby. Joy, named for her bright personality, is nine years old and was born with Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV). After a serious bout of active EEHV, she received round‑the‑clock treatment and has made a full recovery, now enjoying good health.
Kirby’s milestone vaccination
Kirby, born on November 15, 2024, weighs 314 pounds and is named for Kirby Drive in Houston. She is one of the first calves in the United States to receive the EEHV vaccine, a step that should help protect her from the virus that can be fatal to young elephants. While still nursing, Kirby is being introduced to a variety of foods and is often seen exploring the Elephant Preserve Barn alongside her mother Shanti.
The three new elephants will remain together as they become acclimated to their new environment. They are not yet on public exhibit, but visitors may catch occasional glimpses as the herd begins to explore the preserve.
Growing the herd
With the addition of Shanti, Joy and Kirby, the Tulsa Zoo’s Asian elephant herd now numbers ten individuals, including long‑time residents Billy, Hank, Sneezy, Booper, Connie, Sooky and Tina. The herd’s growth aligns with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan, which recommends breeding pairs to help sustain the species.
Shanti and Joy both carry breeding recommendations from the Species Survival Plan, indicating that the zoo may consider future breeding efforts to support the conservation of Asian elephants, a species listed as endangered in the wild.
Community support
The expansion of the herd reflects strong community backing. Tulsa voters approved a bond measure that helped fund the Oxley Family Elephant Experience, and local donors continue to contribute to the zoo’s conservation and education programs. The zoo emphasizes that the new arrivals are a testament to the partnership between the institution, its supporters, and the broader Tulsa community.
For more information about the Asian elephant herd, the new arrivals, or the zoo’s conservation initiatives, visit the Tulsa Zoo website.
Original reporting: KTUL 8 (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
