PORTLAND, Ore. — The Oregon Zoo has announced the birth of a new baby elephant, much to the delight of animal lovers.
The 30-year-old Asian elephant Rose-Tu successfully gave birth after a remarkable 20-month pregnancy. The female calf, estimated to weigh around 200 pounds (90 kilograms), is currently bonding with her mother before undergoing a comprehensive health assessment to confirm her weight and gender.
“We are thrilled with the outcome of the birth,” said the head of the zoo’s elephant program. “This has been one of the smoothest deliveries I’ve witnessed. Rose instinctively guided her baby, who was able to stand independently within just 15 minutes and took her first steps shortly after.”
Both Rose-Tu and her newborn are doing well, with the calf nursing regularly, according to the zoo’s communications team.
This newborn marks Rose-Tu’s third calf; her first, 16-year-old Samudra, also resides at the zoo. Tragically, her second calf, Lily, succumbed to a virus in 2018 just before her sixth birthday.
Visitors will have to wait a bit longer to see Rose-Tu and her calf, as zoo staff plan to monitor their relationship closely, ensuring both are comfortable and stress-free before introducing them to the public.
“Rose is an exceptional mother,” the zoo representative emphasized. “Her gentle demeanor and protectiveness indicate a strong bond is forming between them, which is our ultimate goal. We are prepared to assist if necessary, but mother and baby appear to be thriving together.”
The Oregon Zoo is committed to a wide range of conservation initiatives for wild elephants, with its elephant care program boasting over six decades of expertise.
