TUCSON, Ariz. — The Reid Park Zoo in Tucson has welcomed a new addition to its elephant herd.
On March 8, the zoo's African elephant matriarch, Semba, gave birth to a 265-pound calf. The calf has been nursing enthusiastically, standing and sticking close to mom, the zoo reports. The baby joins sisters Nandi and Penzi and allomother Lungile in the herd.
The birth comes after a medical scare with Semba last fall, according to the zoo. The staff was alerted to potential issues during routine monitoring.
"This led the Zoo’s elephant and veterinary teams to provide extra care, including additional lab work and ultrasounds," the zoo said in a statement. "The team began 24-hour monitoring in late November, which is a few months earlier in the pregnancy than is typical."
Nandi has also been keeping a close eye on her new sibling, whose sex has yet to be determined.
“Nandi really took to her role as a big sister when Penzi was born, and she’s eager to bond with the new calf as well. We’re excited to watch her show Penzi how to be a big sister,” said Adam Ramsey, Reid Park Zoo’s Director of Animal Care.
The zoo supports the Tarangire Conservation Research Program which has conserved over a million acres of elephant habitat in Africa. The Zoo also participates in the African elephant Species Survival Plan and contributes to global research in elephant care, as well as the study and mitigation of the fatal elephant virus known as EEHV.
“We cannot wait to introduce this new calf to our community, and for our herd to continue to inspire a love for elephants and their needs in the wild,” said Nancy Kluge, Reid Park Zoo’s President & CEO. “Reid Park Zoo is so proud to do our part for this species.”
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