The Oregon Zoo in Portland is celebrating the birth of a new baby elephant, adding a joyful milestone to its long-standing elephant care program. Rose-Tu, a 30-year-old Asian elephant, gave birth to a healthy calf on Saturday after a 20-month pregnancy.
The zoo reported that the calf is a female, weighing approximately 200 pounds, though the zoo staff are allowing some time for bonding before confirming the baby’s weight and sex with a thorough checkup. According to Steve Lefave, who manages the zoo’s elephant program, the birth went incredibly smoothly. “We couldn’t be happier with how everything is going so far,” Lefave said. “This was one of the smoothest births I’ve ever seen. Rose knew exactly what to do. She helped her baby up right away, and within 15 minutes, the calf was standing on her own and taking her first steps.”
Both mother and baby are doing well, with the calf nursing regularly, which is a positive sign of their strong bond. Lefave expressed confidence in Rose-Tu’s skills as a mother, noting, “Rose is a fantastic mom. She’s gentle, protective, and the calf is already nursing well. These are the signs we want to see in a new mother and baby.”
This is Rose-Tu’s third calf. Her firstborn, 16-year-old Samudra, also lives at the Oregon Zoo, while her second calf, Lily, tragically passed away in 2018 after contracting a virus at just under six years old. The zoo is being extra cautious this time to ensure both Rose-Tu and the new calf are comfortable and healthy in their environment.
Although the baby elephant and Rose-Tu are in good health, it will be some time before the public is allowed to visit them. The zoo staff wants to give them plenty of time to bond and ensure that the calf is thriving in a calm environment before introducing any visitors. Lefave mentioned, “We’re ready to help if needed, but so far, mom and baby are doing just fine on their own.”
The Oregon Zoo has a 60-year history of caring for elephants and continues to support global efforts aimed at protecting wild elephant populations. With their comprehensive elephant care program, the zoo plays a key role in both conservation and educating the public about these magnificent animals.
As the zoo’s new addition continues to grow, the staff remains focused on ensuring a safe and supportive environment for both the new calf and her mother, with plans to share the exciting news with visitors in the near future.
