Two of these scientific achievements have occurred at the Columbus Zoo (with the first time occurring in Phoebe in 2016). Artificial insemination is very uncommon with Asian elephants, with less than 10 successful outcomes. While this is still a relatively rare procedure for elephants, most successful elephant artificial insemination attempts (approximately 20 in total) have occurred with African elephants. Artificial insemination is carefully coordinated by animal health experts and enables an elephant to be impregnated at her most fertile time. While Phoebe and Hank had the opportunity to breed, this has been unsuccessful in the past and she was artificially inseminated. The pairing of Phoebe and 33-year-old father, Hank, was recommended by the Species Survival Plan® (SSP), a program coordinated by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to maintain genetic diversity of threatened and endangered species in human care. Phoebe’s delivery went smoothly, and the arrival of this recent calf is also offering hope for Asian elephant conservation efforts. The Animal Care team shifted from checking Phoebe via remote camera every two hours to monitoring her around the clock and working overnight shifts in the building, where they could be ready to assist as necessary. On Sunday, June 13, Phoebe’s bloodwork showed that her progesterone levels had dropped enough that the Animal Health and Animal Care teams knew that the birth would happen sometime within the next 72 hours. The purchase of endocrine equipment in 2018 by donor, Johanna Destefano, allowed the Animal Health team to run daily progesterone tests for Phoebe so they could more accurately predict the birth. Thanks to the incredible bond she shares with her care team Phoebe voluntarily participated in regular ultrasound imaging, which enabled staff to monitor the calf’s development. Throughout her 22-month pregnancy, the Zoo’s Animal Care team monitored Phoebe closely. Phoebe has remained patient with him and calmly responds to the care team as they observe her and her baby.
COLUMBUS ZOO ANIMALS HOW TO
He is rather vocal, sometimes emitting a low grumble, and he continues to test out his trunk though he hasn’t quite yet sure figured out how to use it to its fullest potential. While he currently prefers to stand closely between Phoebe’s legs, the calf is also starting to be curious of his surroundings behind the scenes in the Zoo’s elephant and rhino building. The calf appears to be strong and was observed nursing shortly after birth. On Wednesday, Jat 8:48 p.m., the Zoo welcomed the much-anticipated birth of a male Asian elephant calf in the Zoo’s Asia Quest region.Īs an experienced mother, 33-year-old Phoebe is providing exceptional care to her big bundle of joy.
There was a flurry of activity overnight at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium as staff welcomed two little ones-an Asian elephant calf and a California sea lion pup! These exciting births are important milestones and offer hope for the future of these species that are at risk in their native range.
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