Hi all,
Today's bit of trivia comes from the Chicago Tribune, and a story about baby
elephant Kijana. His momma rejected him (she's only 17, and dad doesn't seem
to be in the picture -- even though they know where he lives, he wouldn't be
much help). Kijana was born in captivity at the Oakland Zoo, and because
Lisa won't have anything to do with him, he is being raised by human beings.
Milk is being provided by Donna, an elephant cow who gave birth shortly
after Lisa did but whose calf did not survive. (No mention as to how they
are obtaining the milk. Medela? Egnell? Who knows??)
Anyway, the article when on to say that, "While Kijana's growth & general
health seem fine, the people at the zoo are concerned about his emotional &
psychological development and are doing al they can to help him through these
painful early months.
"He definitely sleeps better when someone is with him." [one of the keepers]
said.
"So every night one of his sitters sleeps alongside Kijana as he snuggles
against a bale of hay. Sometimes they stroke him until he dozes. He wakes up
every two hours or so. He typically drinks a pint or a pint and a half of
milk before going back to sleep......
"When they are not sleeping with Kijana, [the keepers] are trying to teach
him what they can about growing up to be a good elephant."
Well, obviously they have never heard of a certain parenting program we all
know. A three month old, particularly at his weight, should definitely be
sleeping through the night by now, by himself, and feedings should NOT be any
oftener than every three hours. My goodness! What ARE they thinking? This
poor thing will go into metabolic chaos! Not to mention have ADD from demand
feedings!
And on a more serious note: I found it interesting that the keepers sleeping
with this baby elephant seemed to be perfectly acceptable, while if we
discussed the same thing about human babies and their mommies, the US in
general would go ballistic!
Jan Barger, wondering why elephants rate better treatment than humans....
|
