The Oregon Zoo in Portland is celebrating the arrival of a new baby elephant. The 30-year-old Asian elephant, Rose-Tu, gave birth on Saturday after a 20-month pregnancy. While the calf appears to be a 200-pound female, zoo staff are allowing time for bonding before confirming the weight and sex.
The birth was described as smooth and successful by zoo officials. Rose-Tu demonstrated excellent maternal instincts, helping her baby stand up shortly after birth. The calf was able to walk within 15 minutes and has been nursing regularly.
This new addition is Rose-Tu's third baby. Her firstborn, 16-year-old Samudra, also resides at the zoo. Unfortunately, her second calf, Lily, passed away from a virus in 2018.
Both Rose-Tu and her newborn are reported to be in good health. The zoo's staff are closely monitoring their progress and ensuring that the mother and calf are comfortable before allowing visitors.
Rose-Tu has been praised as a fantastic mother, displaying gentleness and protectiveness towards her offspring. The strong bond between them is evident through the calf's successful nursing and overall well-being.
The Oregon Zoo has a longstanding commitment to elephant conservation, with over 60 years of experience in elephant care. The zoo's elephant program supports various initiatives aimed at protecting wild elephant populations.
