History-Making Elephant Undergoes Artificial Insemination Again
Zoo: If Pregnant, Animal Could Give Birth In 2005
POSTED: 6:07 pm EST November 4, 2003
INDIANAPOLIS -- Indianapolis Zoo officials hope artificial insemination works again for an elephant that made history when it gave birth three years ago.
Kubwa, a 27-year-old African elephant, underwent an artificial-insemination procedure last week at the zoo, senior trainer Jill Sampson said Tuesday.About eight weeks will pass before officials know whether Kubwa (pictured, left) is impregnated."We won't know probably for at least eight weeks whether we were successful," Sampson said.Kubwa gave birth to Amali, the world's first artificially conceived African elephant, in March 2000.Amali died of a bacterial infection about five months ago. The death came two weeks after Amali underwent surgery to remove an intestinal blockage.Two male elephants in Florida contributed to this month's procedure, RTV6's Sy Jenkins reported.If the process worked, Kubwa could give birth in August 2005. If it didn't work, zoo workers will try again, Sampson said.
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Kubwa Gave Birth To First Artificially Conceived African Elephant Previous Stories:
- June 4, 2003: Infection May Have Caused Elephant's Death
- June 3, 2003: Elephant Dies Two Weeks After Surgery
- May 26, 2003: Bathroom Break Signals Good News For Amali
- May 21, 2003: Indy Zoo Elephant Fighting For Life After Surgery
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