Former Calgary elephants 'definitely have their fling back on' at new U.S. home

The story of two elephants whose loveblossomed in Calgary will continue at their new home in Washington, D.C.

Spike, thebull, and Maharani used to live at the Calgary Zoo. Four years ago, they were separated when the elephant exhibitclosed.

"Rani," as she's known, moved to the Smithsonian's National Zoo in D.C. with two other female Asianelephants from Alberta.

Spike was moved to Tampa, Fla. But late last month, he was transferred to the Smithsonian, in hopes of reigniting the spark with his old flame.

'Fling back on'

Within days of reuniting, and surprisingly just before Rani started ovulating, Spike approached her, elephant zookeeper Kayleigh Sullivan says.

"They definitely have their fling back on. They are breeding," she said. "We are very excited and it would be amazing to have a little Rani and Spike running around."

The gestation period is incredibly long, almost two years, and the elephant hasn't had much luck in the past. Rani has been pregnant three times. Between 2004 and 2012, two calves died and a third was stillborn.

The zoo says it will keep the public informed if there is any pregnancy news.

The zoo hopes to breed Spike and Ranito continue the endangered Asian elephant species.

Between 40,000 and 50,000 Asian elephants are alivetoday,according to the World Wildlife Federation. The conservation organization says thepopulationhas declinedby atleast50 per cent in three generations due tohabitat loss andinteractionwith humans, such as poaching.

Elephants have been known to remember others they've met decades later, and these two remembered each other instantly, their caretaker said.

Spike is 36 years old and Rani is 27.

Rani squeaked and honkedwhen she saw her old friend.

"She just started flapping her earsout of control, which is what we like to call happy flappy ears. Literally looks like she's about to take off and to fly off," Sullivan said.

"He didn't seem as enthusiastic as she was. She was very excited but he was definitely curious.

"He had his trunk up but he's just such a chill bull that really I don't think much fazes him because he's just so laid back."

The zoo has no plans to move Spike and hopes his presence leads to happy elephants and a few babies.

You can watch the elephants on the Smithsonian's Elephant Cam.

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With files from Josie Lukey and theCalgary Eyeopener.