Baby Elephant Ready For His Debut at Columbus Zoo

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: June 29, 2021 1:35 pm

The Asian elephant calf born on Wednesday June 16th 2021 at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Photo Credit: Grahm S. Jones/ Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium are preparing for the public debut of their Asian elephant calf born to mother Phoebe on Wednesday June 16th 2021.

Starting on Tuesday June 29th 2021 guests visiting the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium will have the opportunity to view the calf between 10am and noon. This will be subject to change based on the care requirements of Phoebe and her calf.

Zoo Staff are expecting that the calves debut will attract a large crowd and recommend arriving early to gain a place in the line.

The Asian elephant calf born on Wednesday June 16th 2021 at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Photo Credit: Grahm S. Jones/ Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

At the birth the calf weighed in at 118kg (261lbs). Phoebe has been seen to be providing exceptional care to her calf. Until now the pair have remained behind the scenes as they bond with one another and the other members of the herd.

The calf is described as rather vocal and has been testing out his trunk along with exploring his surroundings.

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The pairing of Phoebe and male, Hank was recommended by the Species Survival Plan® (SSP), a program coordinated by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). This program works to ensure genetic diversity is maintained in human care.

Phoebe was impregnated through artificial insemination. As few as 10 successful artificial insemination attempts are though to have occurred in Asian elephants. This is Phoebe’s second calf born through this process.