Newborn Asian elephant calf joins Whipsnade Zoo family
He's arrived as part of a crucial breeding programme
A newborn Asian elephant calf has arrived at Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire, marking a significant addition to the European breeding programme for the endangered species.
The calf was born on the night of 8th June to mother Donna, who was supported by her herd members, including her mother Kaylee and daughter Nang Phaya.
Captured on CCTV at Whipsnade’s Centre for Elephant Care, the footage shows the calf taking its first steps moments after birth.
The male calf, standing less than a metre tall and weighing 110kg, offers hope for the future of Asian elephants, which face threats like habitat fragmentation and human-wildlife conflict.
Stefan Groeneveld, elephant section manager at Whipsnade Zoo, expressed enthusiasm: “The excitement we’re feeling at the arrival of this calf is almost impossible to put into words. Donna has been an exceptional mother from the moment her calf arrived.”
The zoo is encouraging the public to participate in naming the calf.
Donors will enter a draw for the chance to choose a name from a shortlist, spend a morning with the elephant team, and stay overnight at Whipsnade Zoo.
Stefan Groeneveld added: “Every birth is special, but this latest calf is made even more so as he has arrived in the same year that ZSL, the charity which runs Whipsnade Zoo, turns 200 years old.”