Paw Print

I’ve been infatuated with Samson since his mother Felix was on baby watch, I diligently followed the arrival and naming of Samson and took in every bit of information I could find.  Of course the highlight for me was visiting Samson when he was just three months old and speaking with the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore curator Mike McClure - I was undoubtedly more excited than any of the children visiting.  One of the challenges Mike McClure told us about on our visit was keeping Samson from eating sand (which he wanted to do to help grind in his gums due to teething), apparently that is still something to watch since he is still teething and x-rays showed some sand in his digestive track but not enough to worry about.  Other than a little sand in the belly, Samson is a curious calf that is learning to talk.  On July 30th, Samson “let out his first real elephant trumpet, ”  when asked how it sounded Mike McClure said, “ridiculous…I’m used to the big ones.  To hear it from someone his size was just silly.  But I was very proud of the boy.”  Aahhh!
Samson also communicates with his mother with infra-sound ( a vibration) heard only by elephants and a voice that is audible to humans -
a deep growl or rumble.  Samson is now five months old and weighing in at a slim 590 lbs., a long way to go to momma Felix’s weight of 7200 lbs.  However, Samson is gaining two lbs. a day from mother’s milk, and he won’t stop nursing for three to five years! 
As the zoo veterinarian and zoo curator continue to monitor Samson’s progress it great to hear “he has been a very healthy calf.” 
And, oh so cute!  If you have not visited the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore to see Samson and the other great animals please do,
you’ll be glad you did!  http://www.marylandzoo.org/blogs/index.aspx?BlogID=3