A new male Asian elephant calf was already taking his first steps among the herd when keepers arrived at Copenhagen Zoo on November 10. His mother, 28-year-old Surin, had given birth late the previous evening, almost a month before staff expected the arrival.
The birth took place at 11:15 p.m. on November 9 after a pregnancy of about 22 months, the zoo announced. Staff estimated the calf’s weight at close to 100 kilograms, or about 220 pounds. In its initial announcement, the zoo said he appeared to be doing well.
The newborn male calf at Copenhagen Zoo after his November 9 birth. Photo: Frank Rønsholt / Copenhagen Zoo, via The Copenhagen Star.
Surin delivered within the elephant group without intervention from keepers or veterinarians. According to the zoo, the other females gathered around the newborn and helped him get onto his feet. Zoological director Mads Bertelsen described the females’ involvement as an important part of the herd’s natural social behaviour.
The calf also arrived just after a change to the elephant house. A new floor covering made from willow wood chips had been introduced the previous week. The zoo says this softer bedding is gentler on the animals’ feet and joints than sand.
There is already another young elephant in the group: Rawi, born in March to Surin’s daughter Mun. Although the new arrival is roughly eight months younger, the zoo says he is already almost as large as Rawi. That gives the herd two calves with the opportunity to grow up together; how their relationship develops will become clearer over time.
For now, the immediate focus is on Surin and her newborn. Keepers and veterinary staff are monitoring both animals closely, including checking that the calf nurses and that Surin passes the placenta. The initial report of a good start does not replace those continuing checks.
Copenhagen Zoo described the birth as a contribution to international breeding efforts for Asian elephants, which are endangered in the wild. The arrival adds a new generation to the zoo’s herd while staff continue observing the mother’s recovery and the calf’s early development.
Visitors can watch the elephants from the first floor of the elephant house, the zoo said in its announcement. Access arrangements may change as staff manage the herd and its newest member.
Sources: The Copenhagen Star’s November 10 report; Copenhagen Zoo’s birth announcement; and the zoo’s official press release. Photograph credited to Frank Rønsholt.
