OKLAHOMA CITY – After nearly two years of pregnancy, the wait is over!
The Oklahoma City Zoo welcomed a new baby elephant on Monday, December 22, 2014.
Asha, the 19-year-old Asian elephant gave birth once again.
According to the Oklahoma City Zoo, Asha delivered a 332-pound female calf at 1:35 p.m.
Zoo staff have been on 24-hour elephant birth watch since mid-October.
“I am proud of our team’s commitment to elephant care and conservation and the entire Zoo family is grateful for the community’s support,” said Dwight Lawson, OKC Zoo Executive Director/CEO. “Asian elephants are endangered so this calf is great cause for celebration, and we are excited to share this event with Oklahomans and elephant fans everywhere very soon.”
.During her first ever wellness check-up. #okczoobabyelephant 💖332lbs. pic.twitter.com/L0MOGZO6Xv
— Oklahoma City Zoo (@okczoo) December 23, 2014
The zoo says Asha and the calf may remain off public view for a few days to allow ample time for both to feel comfortable with one another.
Malee, Asha’s first calf, was born April 15, 2011.
She was the first elephant to be born at the Oklahoma City Zoo.
