Elephant

Indianapolis Zoo Welcomes African Elephant Calf, Makes History on a Special “Labor” Day

INDIANAPOLIS — This Labor Day was history-making for the Indianapolis Zoo with first-time elephant mother Zahara bringing a male calf into the world. The newest member of the Zoo’s African elephant herd arrived Monday evening shortly after 5:30 p.m. The birth made history as the first elephant in the world (African or Asian) to be born through artificial insemination to a mother who was also born through the same procedure. 

Elephant care staff began staying overnight on Friday when routine blood tests alerted them to the impending birth. Assistant Curator of Elephants Niki Kowalski reported that the calf arrived only 20 minutes after the initial signs of labor. “Zahara’s mother Ivory is known for her short labor times, and this baby came quickly as well,” said Kowalski.  The calf weighs 262 pounds, which is a healthy birthweight. Average birthweight for African elephant calves is 226 pounds, with males typically weighing heavier than females. The calf is strong and was standing within 10 minutes of birth. Mom and baby are doing great and have bonded quickly. “What a great way to celebrate Labor Day,” Kowalsi added.

Prior to the calf’s birth, Zahara was the Zoo’s youngest elephant, at age 17. Her calf is the seventh to be born at the Indianapolis Zoo. “We are especially excited as this calf will begin a third generation in the herd at the Zoo,” said President & CEO Robert Shumaker. The Indianapolis Zoo is recognized as a leader in African elephant reproduction. The first and second African elephants in the world to be conceived and successfully born through artificial insemination were at the Zoo in 2000. Multi-generational herds are the most natural and healthy social setting for elephants.  They are also essential to educate Zoo visitors which creates a conservation ethic to further elephant survival in the wild.

Photos and videos are available here for download and use. Today, Sept. 5 at 2:30 p.m., journalists will be able to talk with elephant care staff at the Zoo.  

By visiting zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, guests are contributing to the fight against poaching and helping to save elephants. Visitors help make possible the field conservation, research, habitat restoration, reduction of human-elephant conflicts and community-

based initiatives necessary to protect wild populations. To learn more, go to IndianapolisZoo.com/exhibits/plains/african-elephant/.


290-pound Baby Bounds Into The World!

Dallas Zoo is thrilled to announce their African elephant, Mlilo, gave birth to a healthy, 290-pound baby boy on Sunday, February 26. Mom and baby are both healthy and doing so well!

The little one will not be on habitat yet for several weeks, so keep an eye on Dallas Zoo's social media channels for updates on the baby in the short term. And keep an eye out for an announcement next week with the baby's name! 

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Two is Better Than One: It’s a Boy!

Fort Worth Zoo celebrates another male Asian elephant birth

FORT WORTH, Texas – Fort Worth Zoo officials are thrilled to share the news of the birth of a healthy, 37-inch-tall, 270-pound male Asian elephant calf. The newest bundle of joy was born at 2 a.m. on Feb. 23, 2023. This is the fifth calf born at the Fort Worth Zoo, following the arrival of half-brother Brazos born in 2021, Belle, his mother, in 2013, Bowie in 2013 (Bowie now resides at the Oklahoma City Zoo), and aunt, Bluebonnet, in 1998. This newest calf adds to the three generations of elephants that call the Zoo home, which mimics how herds are established in the wild.

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Elephant Born at WILDLANDS!

A healthy elephant calf was born early this morning at WILDLANDS Adventure Zoo Emmen, The Netherlands. It was soon clear that it is a male, after which his keepers gave him the name Nagarr . That's "little dragon" in Burmese. It is the first time that mother Swe Zin (herself born on August 8, 2007 at Emmen) has given birth to a calf. Security footage shows that she gave birth lying down, which has not been observed before by the animal caretakers in Emmen in an elephant delivery.

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Oh Brother! An Elephant Twins Update

Oh brother! No matter the species, siblings always find a way to play – Rosamond Gifford Zoo’s #EleTwins are no exception! As the twins grow we continue to see their personalities develop. Twin two, Tukada, is proving to be the more dominant sibling, usually ending up on top when he and twin one, Yaad, start wrestling. Considering Tukada was the weaker twin at birth we are so happy to see him thriving and playing with his brother.

Previously on ZooBorns: https://www.zooborns.com/zooborns/2022/11/asian-elephant-delivers-miracle-twins-at-rosamond-gifford-zoo.html


The BIOPARC Valencia Elephant Calf Is Named Makena By Popular Decision

Subscribe to Bioparc Valencia’s Youtube Channel for more updates and countless outstanding videos!

Valencia, December 13, 2022.- On December 9, the little elephant who was born on a full moon night as a result of the important European Program for the Conservation of the African elephant (EEP), was 1 month old. A hopeful birth for this imposing species that is "in danger of extinction" according to the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

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