The Oregon Zoo welcomes a new baby elephant. Rose-Tu gave birth on Saturday, February 1, 2025.

(Video courtesy: Oregon Zoo)

After a lengthy 20-month pregnancy, Rose-Tu, a 30-year-old Asian elephant at the Oregon Zoo, gave birth to a healthy female calf at 4:29 p.m. on Saturday. The newborn, weighing around 200 pounds, is bonding with her mother as zoo staff maintain a respectful distance.

"We couldn’t be happier with how everything is going so far," said Steve Lefave, who oversees the zoo’s elephant program. "This was one of the smoothest births I’ve ever seen. Rose knew just what to do. She helped her baby up right away. The kid was standing on her own within 15 minutes and took her first steps soon after that."

Zoo staff had been on alert since Jan. 29, when Rose-Tu’s progesterone levels indicated impending labor. Active labor began shortly after 3 p.m. on Feb. 1. Veterinary staff have yet to conduct their first check-up, but initial observations suggest the calf is thriving.

"Rose is a fantastic mom," Lefave said. "She’s so gentle and protective, and the calf is already nursing well. These are signs that they will have a strong bond, which is exactly what we want to see. We’re ready to help if needed, but so far mom and baby are doing just fine on their own."

The new calf will remain out of public view until she and Rose-Tu are comfortable, at which point they will be introduced to Forest Hall for visitors to see.

"We want to make sure the calf continues to do well and that Rose-Tu is calm and comfortable with people around," Lefave said. "And we also want to give the baby a chance to bond with the rest of the elephant family."

https://katu.com/news/local/oregon-zoo-welcomes-new-elephant-calf-after-20-month-wait-rose-tu-metro-steve-lefave
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Author: KATU News
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News post in at: February 4, 2025, 3:00 am.

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