The Oregon Zoo in Portland has much to celebrate with the birth of a new baby elephant, marking an exciting addition to its diverse family of animals. This delightful newcomer arrived on a Saturday, following a lengthy 20-month pregnancy carried by 30-year-old Asian elephant, Rose-Tu. According to the zoo’s spokesperson, the newborn is estimated to weigh 200 pounds (or 90 kilograms) and is believed to be female. However, a meticulous checkup will confirm these details once the baby and Rose-Tu have further bonded.
The zoo's elephant program supervisor, Steve Lefave, expressed his contentment with how smoothly the birth went. He remarked, “This was one of the smoothest births I’ve ever seen. Rose knew just what to do.” The young elephant stood up on her own mere minutes after birth and took her inaugural steps almost immediately, displaying signs of vigor and determination.
As of now, both Rose-Tu and her baby are thriving. The pair spends time nursing and enjoying moments of togetherness, as noted by Kelsey Wallace, a representative from the zoo's communications team. While the birth of this elephant is undoubtedly a joyful occasion, visitors will need to wait a little longer to catch a glimpse as the zoo staff are prioritizing the well-being and comfort of Rose-Tu and her calf before allowing visitors.
This new calf is the third offspring of Rose-Tu. Her first child, Samudra, who is now 16, also resides at the zoo. Unfortunately, Rose-Tu's second child, Lily, passed away in 2018 from a virus shortly before her sixth birthday. Such history underpins the emotional depth of Rose-Tu's motherly journey at the zoo.
Steve Lefave added, “Rose is a fantastic mom. She’s so gentle and protective, and the calf is already nursing well.” This bond is essential for the development of the young elephant, and the zoo is ready to assist when needed; however, for now, mother and calf seem to be faring perfectly on their own.
The Oregon Zoo has a long-standing dedication to elephants, with a care program that has been in operation for more than 60 years. This commitment extends to promoting better conditions and conservation efforts for wild elephants worldwide. As part of this mission, the zoo informs visitors and raises awareness about the importance of protecting these magnificent creatures.
The joyous birth at the Oregon Zoo adds a heartening chapter to the zoo's ongoing endeavor to celebrate wildlife and nurture the bond between humans and animals. The zoo is eagerly anticipating the day when Rose-Tu and her calf will be ready to meet the admiring public, further cementing the connection between the community and this new pachyderm duo.