PORTLAND, Ore. — The Oregon Zoo in Portland has joyfully announced the arrival of a new baby elephant, marking an exciting moment for the facility and its visitors.
The proud mother, a 30-year-old Asian elephant named Rose-Tu, gave birth on Saturday following a lengthy gestation period of 20 months. According to zoo officials, the infant appears to be a 200-pound (90-kilogram) female, although staff members are allowing some bonding time between the mother and calf before conducting the first health check to confirm the newborn’s weight and gender.
“We’re extremely pleased with how things have progressed thus far,” remarked Steve Lefave, who manages the zoo’s elephant program. “This has been one of the most seamless births I have ever witnessed. Rose instinctively knew what to do and assisted her baby right away. The little one was able to stand independently within 15 minutes and took her initial steps shortly thereafter.”
According to Kelsey Wallace from the zoo’s communications team, both Rose-Tu and her calf are thriving and the newborn is nursing regularly.
The new arrival is Rose-Tu’s third offspring. Her eldest, a 16-year-old male named Samudra, resides at the zoo as well. Tragically, Rose-Tu’s second calf, Lily, passed away from a virus in 2018, just shy of her sixth birthday.
Visitors may have to wait some time before they can meet the new mother and her baby. The zoo staff are prioritizing the calf’s well-being and Rose-Tu’s comfort with the surrounding crowd before making any decisions about public visits, Lefave noted.
“Rose has proven to be an exceptional mother,” he added. “Her gentleness and protectiveness are evident, and the calf is already nursing effectively. These behaviors indicate a strong bond between them, which is precisely what we aim for. While we’re prepared to provide assistance if necessary, both mother and baby appear to be managing wonderfully on their own.”
In addition to the excitement surrounding the birth, the zoo also emphasizes its ongoing commitment to supporting various initiatives aimed at helping wild elephant populations. Their elephant care program boasts a rich history, spanning over six decades, reflecting their dedication to these magnificent creatures.