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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — The second baby elephant born this year at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium was welcomed Tuesday night.
The calf, born to 38-year-old Asian elephant Phoebe, weighs 222 pounds. The calf is reaching milestones like standing and nursing, as well as remaining curious about his surroundings.Columbus Zoo’s new baby elephant makes public debut in August
Tom Schmid, president and CEO of the Columbus Zoo and The Wilds, said the historic birth is something to celebrate.
“The trumpeting of two calves in one year is music to our ears, and a win for Asian elephant conservation,” Schmid said. “Thanks to years of planning with zoo partners, Phoebe and her baby boy are doing well, and we can’t wait to share this joy with our community.”
This is the first time in the zoo’s history that two elephant calves have been born in one year.
“It is a remarkable milestone for the Zoo and a meaningful step forward for Asian elephant conservation. This growth reflects the vision behind the multi-year expansion of the Zoo’s elephant habitat, which was designed to provide more space for elephants to roam and support natural herd dynamics,” the zoo said in a media release.
Adam Felts, vice president of animal care at the Columbus Zoo, said the achievement is helping the zoo meet long-term goals.Not all city leaders think Burke Lakefront Airport should close: I-Team
“Two calves in one year is exactly the kind of herd dynamic we hoped to create,” Felts said.
The calf’s father, Sabu, lives at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. The pairing of Sabu and Phoebe was advised by the Species Survival Plan, a program coordinated by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, “to support healthy, genetically-diverse populations of threatened and endangered species in professional care.”
Phoebe lives in the Columbus Zoo’s Asia Quest region with her son Frankie (born 2011), and other elephants, including new mom Sunny and her calf Rita Jean.
Phoebe and her calf are not yet viewable to the public to allow uninterrupted bonding between mom and baby.
“For now, Phoebe and her calf are settling into a calm routine behind the scenes, including carefully-timed introductions to other members of the herd,” the release said.City committed to revitalizing all 5 police precinct buildings
For updates on viewing opportunities, naming plans and other milestones, visit the Columbus Zoo’s social media platforms.
As an endangered species, Asian elephant populations have “declined by at least 50% over the last three generations.” Habitat loss, degradation, and poaching drive the decline.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium helped to establish the Center for Species Survival for Asian Elephant with the Wildlife Trust of India and the IUCN Species Survival Commission, located in India.
For information on the Columbus Zoo’s conservation efforts, events and programs, visit the zoo on social media or click here.
