The Houston Zoo’s latest stars, baby elephants Baylor and Tupelo, are captivating visitors with their charming antics.
Their playful splashes in a newly upgraded, spacious pool have become a highlight for zoo-goers and online fans.
At ten and five months old, Baylor and Tupelo have outgrown their initial inflatable pool.
They now have a 120-inch family-sized pool to accommodate their growing size. Baylor, who weighs 1,100 pounds, and Tupelo, at 600 pounds, are fully using this upgrade, especially as the Texas heat intensifies.
A recent video captured by zookeepers shows the young elephants delighting in their expanded aquatic play area.
One amusing clip features Tupelo leaning over the edge of the pool and playfully tumbling in, adding a touch of humor to their playtime.
Mandy Rinker, the elephant keeper, explained that the smaller inflatable pools couldn’t handle the elephants’ enthusiasm, often getting punctured within minutes of use.
The new pool, designed for greater durability, can withstand about five sessions before needing replacement.
Although there isn’t a set schedule for when the elephants use the pool, visitors might catch them enjoying spontaneous swim sessions near the elephant deck.
For a guaranteed experience, guests can attend the daily 10 a.m. “Meet the Keeper” session, where the calves are bathed.
Since their initial meeting, Baylor and Tupelo have developed a strong bond, thanks to the care of their zookeepers.
Starting at 250 pounds each, they have shown impressive growth. Their progress is documented in the engaging “Trunk Tales” blog maintained by the zoo staff.
Baylor has a taste for carrots, sweet potatoes, and hay, while Tupelo is learning to self-feed, enjoying a diet that includes chopped produce, hay, and, unusually, adult elephants’ feces, which aids digestion.
Daryl Hoffman, the curator of large mammals at the Houston Zoo, highlighted the strong relationship between Baylor and Tupelo, noting, “These two bulls have had a great relationship since the day they met.” This bond allows them to engage in playful activities crucial for their development.
The elephants’ names carry special meaning. Baylor is honored by the Baylor College of Medicine for its work in elephant herpes research.
Tupelo, named after the song “Tupelo Honey” by Van Morrison, follows a family tradition of names beginning with “T,” linking her to her parents, Tess and Thai.
In a heartwarming moment, Tupelo snuggles with her mother, Tess, while Baylor and Tupelo continue to bring joy and excitement to their new home at the Houston Zoo.
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