They are hunted for their ivory tusks. Elephants have disturbed oil palms and the crops of local communities. Therefore we study the foraging ecology and diet of the elephant … Loss of natural habitat is the primary threat to this species. The elephant will also cover itself in mud or soil to keep its body temperature down during the warmer months. As they lose land, these elephants … What are the diets of the Bornean elephants related to crop raiding? Bornean Pygmy elephant (Elephas maximus borneensis) family, with parents and calf in the Danum Valley Conservation Area, Sabah, North Borneo, Malaysia. This has been the absolute highlight in our 5 week travel through Borneo so far. The World Wildlife Fund has determined that DNA evidence suggests that the Borneo pygmy elephant is … Borneo is the only place in the world where you can still see pygmy elephants and some estimate there are only 1,500 left. The Borneo Pygmy elephant (E. m. borneensis) is found primarily in Borneo, Malaysia, and Indonesia. A WWF-Malaysia film about pygmy elephants populations in Sabah, on the island of Borneo. Borneo Pygmy Elephant. In the diverse ecosystem of Borneo, there is no shortage of vegetation to … However, there is nothing small about this gigantic creature. It is also where we get the English term maximum. The scientific name of the Borneo elephant is Elaphas maximus borneensis. Therefore we study the foraging ecology and diet of the elephant population of north east Kalimantan (Indonesia) in the context of HECs. Only its trunk is visible above the water to help it breath. Diet Borneo Pygmy elephants are forest herbivores. This farm will provide a long-term, sustainable food source for recovering and orphaned elephants. The first thing that comes in anyone’s mind after hearing the name elephant … Satellite Peek Into Mysterious Life Of Borneo's Pygmy Elephants Date: December 18, 2005 Source: World Wildlife Fund Summary: This week marks the six-month anniversary of the first pygmy elephant… These youngsters are from an endangered species of pygmy elephant and there are thought to be only 1,500 left in the wild. Borneo pygmy elephant Japanese Name: ボルネオゾウ Romanised Name: Boruneozou First Featured in: ? Understanding human elephant conflict (HEC) is of vital importance for the conservation of these endangered Borneo pygmy elephants. This means it wanders around a massive territory in search of waterholes and abundant sources of food. Plus, intelligent dogs are often sensitive to their humans’ needs, making them super friends. This is necessary, because the elephant consumes close to 10% of its body weight in food every single day. She produces only a single calf at a time, and rarely does she have twins. Rainforests for Borneo & Sumatra. The other sub-species are- the Indian elephant, the Sumatran elephant and the Sri-Lanka elephant. Much about its behavior remains unknown. Sunda Colugo. Origins of the elephants Elephas maximus L. of Borneo… Currently, IUCN classifies this animal as endangered. The Borneo pygmy elephant’s name is well deserved; a male only grows to be about two and a half meters tall, while other Asian elephants grow to be around three meters tall. Borneo Elephants eat about 150kg (about 330 lbs) of plants a day, including various different herbs, bananas, … This farm will provide a long-term, sustainable food source for recovering and orphaned elephants. On the island of Borneo live pygmies of the elephant world. threats. The Borneo Elephant Sanctuary in Sabah is expanding to rescue and rehabilitate increasing numbers of injured, displaced and orphaned elephants. By any measurement, it is still the largest land animal on the island of Borneo. This research was based on the analysis of elephant dung. What order do Borneo Elephants belong to? … The elephant was found dead in a river. The Borneo elephant is an endangered species with fewer than 1,500 individuals remaining in the wild. A Borneo Pygmy elephant has reportedly died in Malaysia’s part of the island. Mature female pygmy elephants give birth about once every 4 to 6 years. Our study aims therefore to fill this gap and has a focus on an analysis of factors determining (potential) elephant corridors in Indonesia, which connect to the larger population in Malaysia. These low numbers mean threats to their survival can have a harsh impact. Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Sign up to receive our monthly newsletter, Understanding the ecology of the Bornean Pygmy Elephant (Elephas maximus borneensis) in the Sebuku Forest, Nunukan District, North Kalimantan, Indonesia. More than half of the forests have already been lost from their peak. Borneo Pygmy Elephant Why should the pygmy elephants be saved? Borneo Pygmy Elephant They are the least understood of all elephants! Elephants also have an interesting social structure where a female leads a small group of about eight elephants … They are killed each year because of human disturbances. ... Borneo Pygmy Elephant - Facts, Habitat, Pictures. Adults can eat up to 150 kg of food each day. With diminutive bodies (for an elephant, that is), larger ears, longer tails, straighter tusks, and a remarkably gentle demeanour, Borneo’s pygmy elephants are unmistakeably unique and undeniably adorable. However, DNA tests show that the Borneo pygmy elephant is genetically different from the Asian elephant. The Borneo elephant is a sub-species of Asian elephant which incorporates the Indian elephant, the Sumatran elephant, the Sri-Lanka elephant and therefore the Borneo elephant. 3. Borneo Elephants can live for 55 to 70 years. The food is excellent and they are able to accommodate those with special diet requirements. The elephant trunk is an all-around incredible instrument. After copulation, the male will sometimes stay with the female just long enough to prevent her from mating with anyone else, but he otherwise plays no role in parental care. Ideally such an environment should see quality … There are only around 1,500 surviving Borneo pygmy elephants… In turn, it can help save pygmy elephants from poachers. If you’re thinking of welcoming a new dog into your life and want it to be on the smarter side of the scale, consider […] Read More, The Borneo elephant last shared a common ancestor with its Asian kin about, The elephant trunk is an impressive instrument that’s almost akin to a human hand. The average number of babies a Borneo Elephant has is 1. The adult elephant has baby-like face with large ears. The population of pygmy elephants … The diet of the Borneo elephant consists of leaves, shoots, fruits, bark, and whatever other plant matter it can find. The legs of elephants are unique, designed to support the weight of the largest terrestrial animal. Borneo Elephants belong to the order Proboscidea. Pygmy Elephants prefer to … She will demonstrate her sexual availability through various vocalizations and movements, triggering the males to compete for her affection. Conservation efforts for the Bornean elephant have the aim to identify corridors to link protected elephant range and better land use planning. Males tend to have a much larger weight than females on average. There are only 1,500 left! The need to fill this gap is crucial for enhancing policy priority and developing conservation strategies for this endangered species in the Sebuku forest. The diet of the Borneo elephant consists of leaves, shoots, fruits, bark, and whatever other plant matter it can find. Their long trunk is extremely useful in gathering fruits, leaves, grasses etc. Observations suggest that the elephant can experience grief and mourning over the death of a close friend or family member. This system tends to favor older males, because musth gains in intensity with age. The Borneo pygmy elephant is also called Borneo elephant. A definitive subspecific classification as Elephas maximus borneensis awaits a detailed range-wide morphometric and genetic study. What family do Borneo Elephants belong to? In order to sustain itself, one elephant alone may consume hundreds of pounds of food in a single day either by grazing along the ground or browsing on the leaves and shoots of trees. Bornean Pygmy elephant (Elephas maximus borneensis) family, with parents and calf in the Danum Valley Conservation Area, Sabah, North Borneo, Malaysia. Also, a Borneo pygmy elephant has bigger ears, a longer tail, and is much gentler than Asian elephants. This allows the male in musth to compete with other elephants (who are usually not in musth) for the sexual rights of the female by wrestling, pushing, or ramming with their tusks. The Borneo Pygmy Elephant is a fascinating creature, one that is as extremely incredible as it is critically endangered. Borneo is the only place in the world where you can still see pygmy elephants and some estimate there are only 1,500 left. Borneo Elephants belong to the genus Elephas. The Borneo elephant is additionally referred to as the pygmy elephant because it is that the smallest of the elephant … Both males and females tend to become sexually mature at around 10 to 15 years of age. It is believed that the Borneo elephant has evolved far enough away from its Asian counterpart to warrant a separate subspecies designation. One adult can eat up to 150 kg of vegetation per day, feeding mostly on species of palms, grasses and wild bananas. Borneo Pygmy Elephant, as its name suggests, is an elephant species endemic to Borneo. The Asian elephant is generally smaller than the African elephant, but the Borneo elephant is around 30% smaller than other Asian elephants. Borneo pygmy elephant is the smallest subspecies of Asian elephants. As you might already know, it is a Latin term meaning greatest or largest, which reflects the size of the Asian elephant. Requiring mineral salts and water, elephants need to be near rivers to maintain their health. One of the most endangered species in Borneo, the pygmy elephant lives in the forests and lowland river valleys feeding on grasses, fruits, palms and banana plants. Borneo pygmy elephant Japanese Name: ボルネオゾウ Romanised Name: Boruneozou First Featured in: ? Here it wanders the forests and grasslands for 12 to 18 hours a day in search of resources. The Borneo pygmy elephant (Elephas maximus borneensis) or the Borneo elephant is an endangered species that lives in the northeastern Borneo, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The pygmy elephants of Borneo are especially adorable with their baby-faces, oversized ears, plump bellies and tails that are so long they sometimes drag on the ground as they walk. Another possible subspecies is Elephas maximus borneensis (Borneo pygmy elephant). What phylum to Borneo Elephants belong to? The pygmy elephant is a sub-species of the Asian elephant and is a genetically different species. Understanding human elephant conflict (HEC) is of vital importance for the conservation of these endangered Borneo pygmy elephants. … Re: Protection of the Borneo Pygmy Elephant. Defying its rather cumbersome stereotype, the elephant is a fast runner and a surprisingly good swimmer. The Pygmy Elephant is classified as a heterotrophic herbivore, meaning it only eats plants. In order to create more sustainable foresting practices, some organizations like the World Wildlife Fund are working with local plantation managers and owners near the elephant’s habitat to create reforested wildlife corridors to enable the free movement between fragmented areas. The child will nurse on its mother’s milk for at least two years after birth, but full weaning doesn’t occur for almost four years. Borneo is big (it’s the third largest island in the world) but has created an isolated environment that has bred both the smallest rhino and the smallest elephant in the world. Although they start out weighing more than 100 pounds, the calves need to a lot of growth before reaching their full size. They are actually not much smaller than other Asian elephants, but … Because of its formidable size, the Borneo elephant has nothing to fear from any natural predators. The Oregon Zoo has the only Borneo elephant in the United States: a female called Chendra. Elephants typically live for fifty-five to seventy years. Borneo pygmy elephants are known for their gentle nature. The information on movements and corridors of the Bornean pygmy elephant in Indonesia is lacking and needs further investigation. Borneo is the world’s third largest island. The main threat to these Elephants is Palm Oil & Habitat Loss. Borneo Elephants have long trunks and large feet. According to International Conservation group WWF, currently, there are 1,500 surviving Borneo pygmy elephants… But the pygmy elephant occupies only a small portion of rainforests in Sabah, Malaysia. Both sexes have straight, downpointing tusks, which erupt when they are 1–3 years old. Also found in Indonesia and Malaysia. The Bornean Pygmy Elephants (Elephas maximus borneensis) is the smallest of all Elephant species in the world. ... We needed to purchase the formula called Nestrum, which is an important part of their diet. They are GIANTS indeed. As this petition explains : “Borneo is governed by three separate countries: Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei. The adult elephant has baby-like face with large ears. The Borneo pygmy elephant is also called Borneo elephant. (It also has a finger-like appendage on the end to help with this.). The Borneo elephant is the smallest sub-specie of Asian elephants. It is estimated that population numbers have fallen some 60% since 1980. Spread the message. As the name suggests, the Borneo elephant is found on the island of Borneo in Malaysia. 1. Some elephants are just the victim of unfortunate circumstances. It is estimated that there are fewer than 1,500 pygmy … The Borneo Pygmy Elephant is a critically endangered animal living in the forests of Borneo. The trunk functions as a versatile limb that can grasp vegetation and bring the food to its mouth. It can reach the height of 8.9 to 9.8 feet. Hummingbird The Asian elephant is a crepuscular species, which means it sleeps during the day and accomplishes most of its activities during the dawn and dusk hours. Population: Approximately 1,500. This is because the Asian elephant has an exceptionally long development time. Borneo elephants have a generally gentle nature however they are known to trample man-made objects such as traps and human settlements. The biggest threat to the Borneo Pygmy elephant population is the rapid loss of habitat. This subspecies also goes by the alternative name of pygmy elephant. Also known as the Borneo pygmy elephant, the Borneo elephant (Elephas maximus borneensis) is a subspecies of the Asian elephant and is native to northeastern Borneo, Indonesia, and Malaysia.Smallest among the Asian elephant subspecies, the Borneo elephant is currently listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List and has been since 1986. What is the scientific name for the Borneo Elephant? Borneo Elephants are covered in Leathery skin. What is movements and corridors of the Bornean pygmy elephant in Sebuku forest? This highly cooperative and altruistic unit consists of five to 20 adult females (called cows) and their offspring. While they are also known as Borneo pygmy elephants … The typical life expectancy of this species is around 50 years in the wild, though some individuals can live up to 60 or 70 years. This baby-faced subspecies of Asian elephant inhabits northeastern Borneo, in Indonesia and Malaysia. Borneo pygmy elephant is the smallest subspecies of Asian elephants. The Borneo Pygmy Elephant species and other Asian elephant's endangerment is mainly due to the threats of habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation of their habitats. The Borneo elephant (Elephas maximus borneensis) inhabits the tropical rainforests of northern and northeastern Borneo. Gestation periods can last for anywhere between 19 to 22 months. The Bornean elephant has a limited distribution and is found only in the northeastern part of the island (Malaysian Sabah and Indonesian Kalimantan). The population of the Borneo elephant has decreased by over 50% over the last 3 generations. Borneo elephants are one of the least understood of elephants. We are seeking immediate funding to fence and plant a 4-acre eco farm on already acquired land. Borneensis, a Latinized word for Borneo, refers only to the specific subspecies of Borneo. In the event that a Borneo Pygmy Elephant steps into an oil palm plantation, researchers will then receive an alert from the satellite collars and will thus be able to perform the necessary steps to avoid human-wildlife conflict. While other male Asian elephants can grow up to 9.8 feet (3 meters tall), male Borneo elephants grow to less than 8.2 feet (2.5 meters), according to the conservation organization WWF. An adult male pygmy elephant can grow up to about 2.5 metres high while females to about 2.0 metres in height. This page covers both the Malaysian and Indonesian bits of Borneo, together with Brunei. Asian and African elephants have different numbers of toenails. Understanding human elephant conflict (HEC) is of vital importance for the conservation of these endangered Borneo pygmy elephants. The Borneo elephant is endemic to the forests and grasslands of northeastern Borneo. They are considered very gentle and sometimes their tails are so long, they drag on the ground! The only real threat is humanity. These elephants inhabit mixed secondary forest containing grassy areas on highly fertile soils of sedimentary rock derivation but near to rivers. Diet The Asian elephant is one of the largest forest herbivores in the world. As forest herbivore, this animal primarily consumes grasses, fruits, palms and banana plants, complementing its diet with minerals that are taken from salt licks. Its diet consists of roots, grasses, leaves, bananas and sugar cane. Because of the massive investments required to raise the offspring, she only breeds once every four to five years. Thus the Borneo pygmy elephant is a subspecies endemic to areas of Borneo. Pygmy elephants are genetically different from their other Asian elephant cousins, according to WWF. Because this subspecies requires a large amount of land in which to live, deforestation for logging, agriculture, and plantations has degraded its natural habitat, which not only creates fragmented populations, but also leads to direct confrontation with people. This creates a safer environment for both the Pygmy elephants and humans. Its origin remains the subject of debate. Deforestation from logging and plantations is the biggest threat to the elephant’s survival. Maximus is the precise scientific name of the Asian elephant species. Elephants have disturbed oil palms and the crops of local communities. Status: Endangered. Pygmy elephants feed on grasses, bamboo, palms and fruits. What is the lifespan of a Borneo Elephant? Although elephants can mate all year round, it is believed that the female elephant is reproductively receptive for only a limited time of the year. The greatest concentration of the Borneo elephant is found in the Malaysian state of Sabah at the very northern tip of the island. They quickly learn tricks and lifestyle routines, making them super roommates. The baby-faced pygmy elephant of Borneo, with its oversized ears and plump belly was isolated at least 18,000 years ago from its cousins on mainland Asia and Sumatra. Indian Elephant – Gigantic Mammal With Long Trunk 2. A hectares is equivalent to 10,000 square meters. If the elephant is stressed, then sexual maturity may be delayed by several more years. What are some distinguishing features of Borneo Elephants? The life of the herd revolves around a nomadic existence. The Borneo elephant is a subspecies of the Asian elephant and the only member of the species to reside on the island of Borneo. A baby pygmy elephant! They have long tails that sometimes touch the ground, relatively large ears, and straighter tusks. This PhD study will focus on one small pocket of habitat of the Bornean elephant in the Indonesian part of Borneo. During these periods, the male’s hormones become elevated and the testes are enlarged. It can submerge its entire body in the water to stay cool. Pygmy elephants only grow to about 5-9 feet while their counter parts, the African elephant … It is a biologically fascinating island with a host of endemic species. A subspecies of the Asian elephant, Borneo elephants – also called Borneo pygmy elephants – are similar in size to their counterparts in peninsular Malaysia, and are threatened primarily by habitat loss. Endangered Bornean Pygmy elephants at Sepilok. The scientific name of the Borneo elephant … Once the father leaves, the female carries the young offspring for about 22 months, which is perhaps the longest of any mammalian species in the world. Other areas of Borneo are too populated with settlements. The scientific name for the Borneo Elephant is Elephas Maximus Borneensis. Elephas is obviously the name of the elephant family that includes both African elephants and Asian elephants. The Borneo elephant shares many features in common with its Asian relatives: the two-domed head, the smaller rounded ears, the four hooves on the hind foot, and the gray skin with tiny spouts of hair. Like other mammals in Borneo they get necessary minerals from salt licks. I have visited Borneo three times. It is estimated that there are only around 1,500 Borneo elephants left in the wild. One of the more amazing facts about it is the ability to, World Wildlife Federation, Available here: https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/bornean-elephant, National Geographic, Available here: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/a/asian-elephant/, Brittanica, Available here: https://www.britannica.com/story/whats-the-difference-between-asian-and-african-elephants, Animal Diversity Web, Available here: https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Elephas_maximus/, (1970) https://wwf.panda.org/discover/our_focus/forests_practice/deforestation_fronts2/deforestation_in_borneo_and_sumatra/? Small, in this case, is relative, since the Borneo elephant measures between 8.2 and 9.8 feet tall and between 6,500 and 11,000 pounds in weight. What is the nature of human-elephant conflict in Nunukan District in time and space? As its fate hangs in the balance, it’s now a race against time to save it from extinction. This should also reduce conflicts with humans. This creature has to fight for its life everyday because of the constant destruction done to their habitats, … A great place to see the Borneo Elephant is on the shores of the Kinabatangan River in Sabah. A baby pygmy elephant! Until the World Wildlife Fund attached satellite collars to a few Borneo elephants in 2005, most of what we know about this subspecies was based upon extrapolation from the study of other Asian elephants. Extinct Javan elephants may have been rediscovered – in Borneo [Wildlife Extra News Story] Satellite tracking of Borneo’s Pygmy Elephants, WWF and Sabah Wildlife Department, 2005-2006. habitat. Therefore we study the foraging ecology and diet of the elephant population of north east Kalimantan (Indonesia) in the context of HECs. How many babies do Borneo Elephants have? These large mammals need a large amount of space to live, feed, and breed to be successful in their ecosystem. Unfortunately, their natural range and habitats have decreased significantly during the last decades, both in Sabah and on the Indonesian side. The oldest and largest female typically becomes the matriarch of the entire herd. The Borneo Pygmy Elephant species and other Asian elephant's endangerment is mainly … Elephas maximus borneensis, the Borneo pygmy elephant is found only in Sabah, Borneo. However, DNA tests show that the Borneo pygmy elephant is genetically different from the Asian elephant. Havana Brown Cat – An Adorable Brown Cat 3. What genus do Borneo Elephants belong to? They are considered very gentle and sometimes their tails are so long, they drag on the ground! The Borneo elephant, as the name implies, is endemic to the northeastern part of the island of Borneo. The Borneo Elephant Sanctuary in Sabah is expanding to rescue and rehabilitate increasing numbers of injured, displaced and orphaned elephants. During this time, both the mother and her relatives will take an active role in the calf’s development. The male bulls usually wander off on their own at a young age or join all-male bachelor groups, but the females tend to stay with the same herd for much of their lives. A single adult can eat up to 150 kgs of vegetation everyday, feeding mostly on species of palms, grasses and wild bananas. Borneo Pygmy Elephant Credit: Ch’ien C. Lee. Borneo Elephants are the smallest species of elephant! The other three are the Sri Lanka elephant, the Sumatra elephant, and the Indian elephant. They will provide the calf with protection and tutelage until it is ready to become independent. It is usually her choice whom she will mate with, but she prefers males who are in musth because it’s a signal of strength and dominance. Chendra is now housed at the elephant lands section along with other Asian elephants. They are the smallest of all elephants species. The Borneo Pygmy Elephant is a fascinating creature, one that is as extremely incredible as it is critically endangered. It can reach the height of 8.9 to 9.8 feet. The weaker male will yield to the stronger male before these competitions turn too into a serious and deadly fight. These elephants also have larger ears, longer tails and more rotund bodies that give them a babyish appearance. The Borneo elephant, also called the Borneo pygmy elephant, is a subspecies of Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) that inhabits northeastern Alabama. Pygmy Elephants are classified as Endangered. Click through all of our Borneo Elephant images in the gallery. Two weeks in October 2004, a week in August 2008 and four nights in May 2015. The average height of the Borneo elephant is 8.2 – 9.8 feet. Their size itself reveals the food quantity they eat per day. The local people of Borneo refer to this elephant as ‘Bornean Pygmy Elephants’. It is almost always the male who makes the famous sad sound, which is a wooing call, The bluefin is one of the largest fish in the world. Animal Data; Scientific Name: Elephas maximus borneensis: Distribution: Borneo Diet: Unknown Average Lifespan in the Wild: Unknown Read More: Borneo elephant Conservation Status: Borneo Elephant: Borneo Elephant … The Borneo elephant is an herbivorous animal that feeds on a diverse diet of different plant species, including flowers, fruits, leaves, grains, and bark. There are actually four subspecies of the Asian elephant in total. It is estimated that around 20% of this subspecies has sustained injuries from illegal snares to catch smaller game. It has a life expectancy of about 60 years in the wild. Pygmy elephants are endemic to Borneo and nearby islands. The smallest Asian elephant subspecies, Bornean elephants are distinctly smaller than their mainland cousins. The other sub-species are- the Indian elephant, the Sumatran elephant and the Sri-Lanka elephant. This PhD study also tried to analyze factors influencing HEC in Sebuku through a survey of villagers and crop field owners, therefore to characterize the nature of HEC and analyzed how the conflict influences local people's perception and attitudes towards the conservation of the Bornean pygmy elephant. pygmy hog's diet is roots, tubers, insects, rodents, and small reptiles How much can a adult Asian elephant weigh? What type of covering do Borneo Elephants have? The biggest species of tortoise in the world! But it also exhibits many physical differences, including straighter tusks and a longer tail. 1. These animals need large areas of forest to roam freely and find enough food. This section has three interconnected outdoor spaces for the elephants to roam in, plus feeding stations, mud wallows, and a massive pool. A pygmy elephant has been found dead in a river on the Malaysian part of Borneo island, an official said Friday, the latest of the endangered creatures to perish. Borneo Elephants belong to the Kingdom Animalia. Elephants are sometimes killed or harmed because they accidentally destroy crops as they move through farms and plantations. What class do Borneo Elephants belong to? What Kingdom do Borneo Elephants belong to? The African forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis) is one of the two living African elephant species.It is native to humid forests in West Africa and the Congo Basin.It is the smallest of the three living elephant species, reaching a shoulder height of 2.4 m (7 ft 10 in). What is an interesting fact about Borneo Elephants? There are only an estimated 1500 left on the planet. They have smaller ears compared to African elephants but are still oversized as compared to their small stature. Elephas maximus borneensis. Animal Data; Scientific Name: Elephas maximus borneensis: Distribution: Borneo Diet: Unknown Average Lifespan in the Wild: Unknown Read More: Borneo elephant Conservation Status: Borneo Elephant: Borneo Elephant is a type of Friend. Multiple groups will sometimes join together based on the season, habitat, and other conditions. On the other hand, conflicts with people have started to occur. Even the youngest elephants are quite large and in any case protected by the herd. Existing on a diet of Palms, grasses and wild bananas, and mineral from limestone outcrops, these elephants need large areas in which to feed and live, but their forests are shrinking.in part due to the … Unsuited for life in the wild, she came into the possession of the Oregon Zoo in 1999. Despites its enormous size compared to most animals, this actually makes it one of the smaller types of elephants; hence the nickname of pygmy elephant.