There are less than 50,000 Asian elephants worldwide. The National Zoo in Washington DC now cares for seven elephants from species on the verge of extinction.
At 1:15 am last Monday, Pediatric Sacred, female elephant aged 12gave birth in Smithsonian National Zoological Park, also known as National Zoo, in Washingthon DC. In 25 years, this is the first time thatan elephant is born here. The most recent calf is the third to be born em 136 years dand history of zoo.
Com almost 300 kilosjust over 90 centimeters e all disheveledo baby asian elephant was welcomed by their parents and by their zoo companions. The calf joins the remaining six elephants do National Zoo.
“My God, I’m so excited,” said the zoo director, Brandie Smith, in statements to on Tuesday.
“This is the first Asian elephant calf we have had here in more than two decades,” added the official.
Because they are a species on the verge of extinction, com less than 50,000 of asian elephants all over the worldeach birth is good news and reason for celebration. For at least a month, the calf will not make its public debut, being busy creating bonds with its parents, keepers and other animals, said the zoo.
“She’s so adorable,” Smith said. “It’s pure joy to look at this little elephant. And I know I say this all the time, but we all need a little pure joy right now.”
Like all newborns, the baby elephant will be closely monitored by the zoo’s care teamwho began keeping an eye on the calf 24 hours a day on the night of January 25th to look for signs of labor. Pediatric Sacred.
“The whole team has been sleeping in the barn [dos elefantes]”, told Brandie Smith. “We are here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.”
Despite not yet having a name, the team of caregivers already has a list of options: are they Sacred May, Thao Pediatric, You Older brother e Snow. Anyone can vote and choose their favorite through and a contribution of five dollars (around 4.24 euros). The most voted option give name to baby elephant, which is now resting and being welcomed by the rest of its companions.
