FERTILITY. Males are tested to see if they are capable of reproduction. Not all male elephants are potential fathers. Many females are incapable of becoming pregnant after their late 20's if they have not been pregnant previously. As Isa had demonstrated her fecundity with Jennie, it was decided to wean her daughter after18 months together, introducing Jennie to the herd traveling with the circus accompanied by her aunt. Isa remained at the Ark and in time successfully gave birth to Obert. It is not uncommon in elephant herds for a mother to hand over a youngster after weaning to an aunt or close female to look after, giving the mother some freedom after a long pregnancy and many months of nurturing her baby.