I feel like a proud papa! On the afternoon of March 27, this amazing little calf made its first "surprise" appearance at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Normally baby elephants are born in the early morning hours - a time when predators in the wild are least likely to approach an elephant herd. But, this little guy decided he didn't want to wait that long. By 2:35 pm he arrived!Phoebe, the calf's mother, had her health monitored throughout her 655 day pregnancy. She was like any expecting mother - complete with an exercise regimen, regular ultrasounds, and blood draws. Towards the end of her pregnancy, Phoebe was monitored around the clock. The keepers will continue to keep this watchful eye on Phoebe and her calf for the next few weeks.
This birth is very exciting for the zoo world! In the past five years only nine Asian elephants have been born in six AZA zoos including the new calf and his big brother Bodhi at the Columbus Zoo.
To allow Phoebe and her new baby time to form a strong bond, Zoo visitors are currently unable to see them. The Zoo will announce viewing information when it becomes available.
Posts
Congratulations!! He's beautiful! Can't wait to meet him! We'll be visiting 9 zoos in Oklahoma, Texas and Tennessee from April 13-23. Hopefully the little guy will be ready for visitors when we get home to C-bus!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update. Keep the news coming. Is it possible for Heather Pick to be honored in some way when the time to name the new arrival comes. Maybe her children could assist in the collection or you may have a better idea. Thanks for your attention
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to all involved - how very exciting! We just visited Mary and Maude at the Central FL Zoo a few days ago ... such gorgeous creatures!!!
ReplyDeleteA very exciting little guy! His big brother Bodhi is truly BIG - big for his age! And this little guy weighed more than Bodhi did when he was born!
ReplyDeleteHow exciting!!! My 9-year old has been a big fan of elephants since Bodhi has been born. She collects elephants too! Every time we go to the zoo we always get her picture in front of Bodhi! We can't wait to see the new baby boy!
ReplyDelete