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02/21/2006 Entry: "Thabo-Umasai"

Dresden's favourite newborn now has a name: Thabo-Umasai here.

The name was chosen after a survey of "over 7,500 votes ... after the survey we chose the double-name Thabo-Umasai ... Thabo and Umasai were by far the most suggested names, whereas Thabo was in first place. Why a double-name? Although Thabo was the most voted for name, some had reservations that while speaking to the Elephants, some irritation might arise, because the second syllable of Thabo is identical with Drumbo. With a double-name, however, it is possible to choose between the two names when calling the elephant" --Wolfgang Ludwig, Head Zookeeper

Thabo-Umasai is the first Elephant born at the Dresden Zoo in its 144 year history. The baby was born without complications on Sunday, February 5 2006 at 11:30 pm after a 629 day gestation period. He weighed 107 kilograms and is the child of the 16 year old cow, Drumbo, Dresden's oldest living elephant. She was artificially inseminated by Tembo, a bull in captivity in England.

Julie and I went to see the little baby yesterday. He is adorable.