The Oregon Zoo in Portland has welcomed a new baby elephant
Oregon Zoo Welcomes a New Baby Elephant
The Oregon Zoo in Portland is celebrating the arrival of its newest resident—a newborn Asian elephant calf.
Rose-Tu, a 30-year-old elephant at the zoo, gave birth on Saturday following a 20-month pregnancy, according to an official statement. While initial observations suggest the calf is a 200-pound (90-kilogram) female, the zoo team is allowing mother and baby time to bond before confirming the sex and weight during a health checkup.
“We couldn’t have asked for a smoother birth,” said Steve Lefave, who leads the zoo’s elephant program. “Rose knew exactly what to do—she helped her baby stand almost immediately. Within 15 minutes, the little one was on her feet, and soon after, she took her first steps.”
A Growing Elephant Family
Rose-Tu and her newborn are both doing well, with the calf nursing regularly, said Kelsey Wallace from the zoo’s communications team.
This marks Rose-Tu’s third baby. Her firstborn, 16-year-old Samudra, also resides at the zoo. Tragically, her second calf, Lily, passed away from a virus in 2018 just before turning six.
Though visitors are eager to catch a glimpse of the zoo’s newest addition, staff are prioritizing the well-being of both mother and baby. “We want to ensure the calf continues to thrive and that Rose-Tu remains relaxed and comfortable before introducing them to the public,” Lefave explained.
“Rose is an incredible mother—gentle, attentive, and protective. The baby is already nursing well, which is a great indicator of a strong bond. We’re prepared to assist if needed, but so far, mom and baby are handling everything beautifully on their own,” he added.
A Legacy of Elephant Care
The Oregon Zoo has a long-standing commitment to elephant conservation, with over 60 years dedicated to their care and support. The facility actively contributes to initiatives aimed at protecting wild elephant populations and enhancing their welfare.
For now, Rose-Tu and her little one are settling into their new chapter, while the zoo community eagerly anticipates the moment when visitors can finally meet the adorable new arrival.