NEED TO KNOW
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium announced the birth of its second baby Asian elephant this year
The baby, a boy, was born to his 38-year-old mom, Phoebe, and is the second new addition to the herd after baby Rita Jean was born over the summer
This is the first time in the zoo’s history that two Asian elephants have been born in the same year.
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is celebrating the birth of its second Asian elephant this year, marking a historic first for the organization.
On Thursday, Oct. 23, the zoo announced in a press release that 38-year-old Asian elephant Phoebe had given birth to a male calf at 10:41 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 21. The baby weighed in at 222 pounds and was born after a two-year pregnancy.
“As the team watched, the newborn stirred, pushed himself up on wobbly legs, and took his first step,” the release read. “Phoebe stood steady and protective beside him, just as she has with each of her previous calves. It was a moment of instinct, strength, and quiet triumph.”
Amanda Carberry/Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Phoebe with her newborn son
The new calf joins a small herd in the Asia Quest region, per the outlet. The herd includes Phoebe’s 3-year-old son Frankie.
Phoebe’s latest was fathered by Sabu, an elephant located at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, who previously had a temporary stay in Columbus.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Amanda Carberry/Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
The newborn Asian elephant at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
“The pairing was recommended through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan, a program that ensures healthy, genetically diverse populations of threatened and endangered species in professional care,” the release read.
The new calf will remain with his mother for bonding time before being slowly introduced to other herd members. Soon after that introduction, members of the public will be able to meet the zoo’s newest addition.
Back in July, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium welcomed another baby Asian elephant — Rita Jean.
The female calf was born to Sabu and 16-year-old Sundara, a.k.a. “Sunny,” following 22 months of pregnancy.
Amanda Carberry/Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Phoebe and her newborn baby
The births mark “the first time in the Zoo’s near 100-year history that two elephant calves have been born in the same year,” according to the release.
“The trumpeting of two calves in one year is music to our ears and a win for Asian elephant conservation,” said Tom Schmid, president and CEO of the Columbus Zoo and The Wilds, said in a statement. “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.”
Phoebe’s son will be introduced to the public at a later date. Until then, the zoo will provide updates, including information about the young elephant’s name.
Read the original article on People