Newborn elephant is a first for California zoo. See video of ‘incredible milestone’

In the near-century since its founding, Fresno Chaffee Zoo in California has never had an elephant born in its care.

Until a few days ago.

On Friday, Aug. 16, the zoo’s African elephant Nolwazi gave birth to a healthy male calf, the zoo said in an Aug. 16 news release.

“This is a historic moment for the Zoo,” Zoo Director Jon Forrest Dohlin said in the release. “ ... This is the first elephant calf born in the Zoo’s 95-year history.”

Nearly two years ago, the zoo welcomed a male, Mabu, with the hope that some calves would come along. And that is exactly what happened. In fact, there is another expectant mother among Fresno’s African elephants — Amahle is due any week now.

African elephants are Earth’s largest land animals, dwarfing even their very large relatives, Asian elephants. African elephants grow to be 13 feet tall and can weigh up to 15,432 pounds, according to National Geographic. Elephant pregnancies are nearly 22 months long.

“This incredible milestone would not be possible if not for the continued dedication from our entire Animal Care and Vet Team here at the Zoo. I am incredibly grateful and in awe of their passion for the animals in our care,” Dohlin said

This story was originally published August 20, 2024 at 11:42 AM with the headline "Newborn elephant is a first for California zoo. See video of ‘incredible milestone’."