The Dallas Zoo has announced the birth of a healthy male African elephant, marking a new addition to its elephant herd.
The unnamed calf was born on July 26 after a nearly 21-month pregnancy and is already capturing the attention of zoo staff and animal lovers alike.
Baby Elephant Born Healthy And Nursing Within An Hour
According to the Dallas Zoo, mother Mlilo gave birth to the calf at approximately 12:25 p.m. on July 26 with members of the animal care team present for the delivery.
The newborn weighed about 230 pounds at birth and was standing and nursing within his first hour of life.
Zoo officials described the birth as an important milestone for the herd and said both mother and calf are doing well.
Herd Welcomes Newest Member
The zoo said the calf was greeted by several members of the elephant herd, including his older brother, Okubili, as well as elephants Jenny and Gypsy.
Staff said the elephants gently reached out with their trunks as the newborn found his footing and took his first steps.
Mlilo and her calf are currently spending time behind the scenes while they continue bonding during the early days after birth.
“Mlilo has been doing an incredible job caring for her calf, and the two are spending these early days together behind the scenes as they continue building their bond,” the zoo said in its announcement.
Calf’s Name Yet To Be Revealed
The Dallas Zoo has not yet announced a name for the baby elephant.
Officials said the animal care team is working to find “the perfect name” and will share more details in the coming weeks.
The zoo also plans to announce when visitors will be able to see the calf in its habitat for the first time.
Latest Addition to Dallas Zoo’s Elephant Family
The newborn is Mlilo’s youngest calf and the younger brother of Okubili, who was born at the Dallas Zoo in 2023. Okubili’s name means “two” or “duplicate.”
Mlilo was one of five elephants rescued from Swaziland by the Dallas Zoo in 2016. She also gave birth to a calf named Ajuba that same year. Ajuba died in 2023.
The zoo is encouraging supporters to celebrate the new arrival through its Adopt-An-Animal donation program, which helps support the care of elephants and other wildlife at the facility.
Zoo officials said additional information about the calf, including his name and public debut, will be announced at a later date.
