Fort Worth Zoo celebrates the birth of another male Asian elephant

FORT WORTH (CBSNewsTexas) – The Fort Worth Zoo has an occasion to celebrate the birth of a healthy 37-inch, 270-pound Asian baby elephant.

Both mom and baby are doing well, according to a press release. They are currently spending time at backstage elephant habitats, Elephant Springs.

The calf arrived at 2 am on February 23rd. This is the fifth calf born at the zoo, following the arrival of Brazos’ half-brother, born in 2021, Belle, to his mother in 2013, Bowie in 2013 (Bowie now lives at the Oklahoma Zoo). City Zoo) and Aunt Bluebonnet in 1998.

This newest calf is added to three generations of elephants that call the zoo home, mimicking how herds form in the wild. According to a press release from the zoo, this is Belle’s first baby. Belle, now 9.5 years old, was followed up throughout her pregnancy. As part of her prenatal care, she had weekly blood tests to monitor her progesterone levels, regular physical exams, and ultrasounds.

The father of the calf Romeo is 30 years old and has been living at the zoo since 2015.

The Animal Care Team will determine when the calf makes its public debut. Temperatures and changing weather will also dictate outdoor schedules.