After a total of three attempts at artificial insemination in 2006 and 2007, Christie was confirmed pregnant through an ultrasound performed on Saturday February 16th by a team of German veterinary scientists from the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research in Berlin. This was the same team that performed the previous insemination procedures: the first in August 2006, one in March 2007 and the third in October 2007. Though the first two attempts proved unsuccessful, the veterinary team was optimistic about October's attempt. "Not only was the timing good, but Christie's cooperative behavior was good, and she was very receptive." said German scientist Dr. Frank Goeritz. "She was very calm and it was as if she told us she was ready." Commenting on Christie's good behavior, scientist Dr. Thomas Hildebrandt added, "You can't get pregnant if you're stressed." They both noted that the male semen sample brought to Hogle Zoo from a male elephant at the Pittsburgh Zoo was extremely viable, which was also promising.

Hogle Zoo animal care staff were also confident about the success of the final artificial insemination attempt, and further encouraged by the positive blood tests taken prior to the ultrasound. "When we got blood readings that showed what looked like a possible pregnancy, I knew something would happen that is great and wonderful,"� said Doug Tomkinson, Hogle Zoo Lead Elephant Keeper. "I was hopeful and excited from the beginning, but in working with these animals, I still know to expect many challenges along the way."

Even with the exciting possibility of a baby elephant, as with any pregnancy, there are still significant risks that can occur throughout Christie's 20- to 22- month pregnancy, or gestation, period. Zoo animal care staff and veterinary team will continue to keep a close watch on Christie in the coming months. "As we enter the next phase of our goal to successfully have a baby elephant, the veterinary and elephant management teams will work closely together to enhance Christies health and fitness in preparation for the birth," said Dr. Nancy Carpenter, Hogle Zoo's Associate Director--Animal Health. "As with the pregnancy of any human or animal, problems can occur. We will be working closely with the German team and our zoo colleagues to help us prepare for all contingencies throughout the pregnancy and post birth periods." Tomkinson adds, "A lot can go wrong, but also there's a lot that can go right."

During her pregnancy, Christie will participate in her own version of aerobics classes; the elephant management team will encourage exercise through bending, stretching and climbing to help her maintain her weight, as well as the weight of the baby, and ease potential complications during delivery. If Christie carries the baby to term, she will likely give birth in late summer of 2009.

Because of improvements in elephant management and training at Hogle Zoo, the risks of an insemination procedure such as Christies is minimal compared to the benefits. This procedure was a non-surgical procedure removing the risks that would normally be associated with anesthesia and surgery. The ability to work with Christie in a positive environment will translate into a comfortable birthing situation. Still, the benefits of a successful elephant birth at Hogle Zoo far out weigh the risks. The Association of Zoos & Aquariums' Species Survival Plan for African elephants recommended Christie as a good candidate for breeding, in part due to her age. The AZA, of which Hogle Zoo is an accredited member, strives to maintain a sustainable population of elephants in North America. Elephants have been historically difficult to breed in captivity, and their future in North American zoos is at risk. The renovations of Hogle Zoo's Elephant Encounter enabled participation in the artificial insemination program, furthering a commitment to elephant survival.

Conservation, education and research work done at Hogle Zoo also plays a significant role in the survival of species in the wild. With successful elephant breeding of this nature, Hogle Zoo continues to live out its mission to nurture respect and appreciation for the natural world by providing diverse educational, recreational, and conservation opportunities that will benefit generations to come.

Visit Hogle Zoo online at www.hoglezoo.org or for more information, contact Community Relations Coordinator Holly Braithwaite by email or call (801) 584-1729. For more information on AZA-supported elephant conservation programs, visit www.aza.org/elephantconservation/

About the Association of Zoos & Aquariums:
Utah's Hogle Zoo is one of only 216 accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA). Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats. For more information visit www.aza.org.