The Dallas Zoo announced the birth of a new baby elephant, after a nearly 21-month pregnancy – that’s a little less than average.
We have a jumbo announcement… 🐘 Meet our baby elephant!
After a nearly 21-month pregnancy, African elephant Mlilo gave birth to a healthy baby BOY! Born on Sunday, July 26, this precious calf made his arrival at 12:25 p.m. pic.twitter.com/edycmJQBpa
— Dallas Zoo (@DallasZoo) August 3, 2026
The zoo said the elephant, which has not yet been named, was born Sunday, July 26, around 12:30 p.m; he weighed in at around 230 lbs. He started nursing within his first hour of life.
The newborn is the younger brother of another Elephant at the zoo, Okubili (pronounced oh-coo-BEE-lee), which means two or duplicate. He was born in 2023. Their mother is Mlilo (pronounced ma-LEE-lo). The name was picked because Okubili, the elephant, is the second calf to his mother, Mlilo, and is almost a duplicate of her. Mlilo’s firstborn came in 2016. She was rescued in Swaziland before giving birth.
This little boy is almost three weeks old, and he has a NAME! Meet… Okubili! His name means “two” or “duplicate” in Zulu, and we think it’s perfect for this little one because he is a carbon copy of second-time mom, Mlilo. pic.twitter.com/h3982SxTzx
— Dallas Zoo (@DallasZoo) March 17, 2023
The zoo said it will soon announce when the baby elephant will make its habitat debut.
This little boy is almost three weeks old, and he has a NAME! Meet… Okubili! His name means “two” or “duplicate” in Zulu, and we think it’s perfect for this little one because he is a carbon copy of second-time mom, Mlilo. pic.twitter.com/h3982SxTzx
— Dallas Zoo (@DallasZoo) March 17, 2023
Our little man Okubili made his public debut this morning! This tiny trunk spent the morning exploring every log & stick around the habitat, under the watchful eye of mom Mlilo. The pair will make regular appearances out on habitat – pending weather & comfort levels, of course. pic.twitter.com/isZR9yBHS6
— Dallas Zoo (@DallasZoo) April 25, 2023