The Dallas Zoo has introduced a male African elephant calf born in late July to mother Mlilo.
The zoo shared video on its social media pages and said the calf arrived Sunday, July 26, at about 12:25 p.m. He weighed 230 pounds at birth, got on his feet and began nursing during his first hour.
The calf’s older brother, Okubili, was present as he joined the herd, along with elephants Jenny and Gypsy. The zoo said the three elephants used their trunks to make gentle contact with the calf while he was taking his first steps.
Mlilo’s pregnancy lasted 21 months, and zoo staff said she has been caring for the calf. The mother and newborn are staying behind the scenes during their first days together so they can continue bonding.
The calf’s name has not yet been announced. Zoo staff said more information about when he will be introduced to his habitat will be shared later, and the zoo also pointed patrons to a limited-time Adopt-An-Animal package connected to the calf’s arrival.
