A New Addition to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Columbus, Ohio — The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium recently welcomed its second baby elephant of the year. The calf, born to 38-year-old Asian elephant Phoebe, weighs 222 pounds. From the moment of birth, the calf has been showing signs of healthy development, including standing up and nursing. It also displays a natural curiosity about its surroundings.
The arrival of this new calf is a significant event for the zoo and marks a milestone in conservation efforts. Tom Schmid, president and CEO of the Columbus Zoo and The Wilds, expressed his excitement about the historic birth. “The trumpeting of two calves in one year is music to our ears, and a win for Asian elephant conservation,” Schmid said. “Thanks to years of planning with zoo partners, Phoebe and her baby boy are doing well, and we can’t wait to share this joy with our community.”
This is the first time in the zoo’s history that two elephant calves have been born in a single year. The zoo highlighted that this achievement is a meaningful step forward for Asian elephant conservation. “This growth reflects the vision behind the multi-year expansion of the Zoo’s elephant habitat, which was designed to provide more space for elephants to roam and support natural herd dynamics,” the zoo stated in a media release.
Adam Felts, vice president of animal care at the Columbus Zoo, emphasized that the achievement aligns with the zoo's long-term goals. “Two calves in one year is exactly the kind of herd dynamic we hoped to create,” Felts said.
The Parents and Their Background
The calf’s father, Sabu, resides at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. The pairing of Sabu and Phoebe was recommended by the Species Survival Plan, a program coordinated by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. This program aims to support healthy, genetically diverse populations of threatened and endangered species in professional care.
Phoebe is currently living in the Columbus Zoo’s Asia Quest region alongside her son Frankie (born in 2011) and other elephants, including new mother Sunny and her calf Rita Jean. The zoo has taken steps to ensure that Phoebe and her calf have a peaceful environment for bonding. As a result, they are not yet viewable to the public.
“For now, Phoebe and her calf are settling into a calm routine behind the scenes, including carefully-timed introductions to other members of the herd,” the release said. Updates on viewing opportunities, naming plans, and other milestones will be shared through the Columbus Zoo’s social media platforms.
Conservation Efforts and the Future of Asian Elephants
Asian elephants are classified as an endangered species, with their populations declining by at least 50% over the last three generations. Habitat loss, degradation, and poaching are the primary factors contributing to this decline.
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has played a vital role in conservation efforts. It helped establish the Center for Species Survival for Asian Elephant in collaboration with the Wildlife Trust of India and the IUCN Species Survival Commission, located in India.
The zoo continues to work on various conservation initiatives, including educational programs, events, and research. For more information on these efforts, interested individuals can visit the zoo’s social media platforms or explore additional resources online.
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