The African savanna elephant (Loxodonta africana) is the
largest terrestrial animal, with males reaching 13ft at the shoulder and
weighing up to 14,000lbs. Their large ears help them stay cool in the
African heat and their trunks contain more muscles than a human’s entire
body. Females are pregnant for 22 months, the longest gestation period
of any mammal. Calves take many years to grow up. Females will stay with
the herd for their entire life, while males leave the herd at around
8-12. They join other young males to form a bachelor herd until they
reach their adult size.

Fitz was his mother Mikki’s
second calf. He was a spirited little trouble-maker who didn’t always
listen to his mother and Auntie Punch, but his love of life captured the
hearts of everyone who knew him. Unfortunately, a few months before his
4th birthday, he tested positive for EEHV, a deadly hemorrhagic disease
more common to Asian elephants, but appearing more frequently in
African elephants. Despite immediate treatment and transfusions provided
by other nearby zoos, he succumbed a few days later.

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– Ceramic 11oz mug

– Dishwasher and microwave safe

– Colored rim, inside, and handle

– White print area