![]() On Sunday, June 13, Phoebe’s bloodwork showed that her progesterone levels had dropped enough that the Animal Health and Animal Care teams knew that the birth would happen sometime within the next 72 hours. The purchase of endocrine equipment in 2018 by donor, Johanna Destefano, allowed the Animal Health team to run daily progesterone tests for Phoebe so they could more accurately predict the birth. Thanks to the incredible bond she shares with her care team Phoebe voluntarily participated in regular ultrasound imaging, which enabled staff to monitor the calf’s development. Throughout her 22-month pregnancy, the Zoo’s Animal Care team monitored Phoebe closely. Phoebe has remained patient with him and calmly responds to the care team as they observe her and her baby. He is rather vocal, sometimes emitting a low grumble, and he continues to test out his trunk though he hasn’t quite yet sure figured out how to use it to its fullest potential. While he currently prefers to stand closely between Phoebe’s legs, the calf is also starting to be curious of his surroundings behind the scenes in the Zoo’s elephant and rhino building. The calf appears to be strong and was observed nursing shortly after birth. On Wednesday, Jat 8:48 p.m., the Zoo welcomed the much-anticipated birth of a male Asian elephant calf in the Zoo’s Asia Quest region.Īs an experienced mother, 33-year-old Phoebe is providing exceptional care to her big bundle of joy. ![]() □ Currently, the calf and mom are in a behind-the-scenes area and are not visible by Zoo guests.There was a flurry of activity overnight at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium as staff welcomed two little ones-an Asian elephant calf and a California sea lion pup! These exciting births are important milestones and offer hope for the future of these species that are at risk in their native range. Details will be announced at a later date. □ Additionally, in conjunction with a donor, the public will have an opportunity to help name the calf. This elephant species is listed as endangered on the IUCN’s Red List for Threatened Species™ and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is proud to continually several direct elephant conservation initiatives through numerous research projects and grants over the last 23 years. □ This monumental birth was greatly anticipated by fans of the TV miniseries “Secrets of the Zoo,” which features the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and □ This calf’s birth is important to sustaining the genetic diversity of Asian elephants in human care. While still a relatively rare procedure for elephants, attempts to artificially inseminate elephants are becoming more frequent in an effort to bolster the numbers of endangered elephants, whose populations are rapidly declining in their native range. After a sample is collected, the results will be available in the upcoming weeks. ![]() The father of the calf is not yet known and will be determined via a DNA test. □ While Phoebe has had the opportunity to breed with male, Hank, the attempts were unsuccessful and she was also artificially inseminated with sperm from Hank and a male from another zoo. The pairing of Phoebe and a male elephant was based on the recommendation through the Association of (AZA) Species Survival Plan® (SSP). Both are doing great and the calf appears strong! Our animal care team says Phoebe is an experienced mom. □□ The newborn’s sex has yet to be determined, as the animal care team is giving time for mom and baby to bond. BIG delivery! Phoebe gave birth to her calf early this morning at 3:09 a.m.
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