FORT WORTH, Texas – Fort Worth Zoo officials are thrilled to share the news of the birth of a healthy, 37-inch-tall, 270-pound male Asian elephant calf. The newest bundle of joy was born at 2 a.m. on Feb. 23, 2023. This is the fifth calf born at the Fort Worth Zoo, following the arrival of half-brother Brazos born in 2021, Belle, his mother, in 2013, Bowie in 2013 (Bowie now resides at the Oklahoma City Zoo), and aunt, Bluebonnet, in 1998. This newest calf adds to the three generations of elephants that call the Zoo home, which mimics how herds are established in the wild.
This is Belle’s first calf. Belle, now 9.5 years old, was carefully monitored throughout her pregnancy. As part of her prenatal care, she had weekly blood tests to monitor progesterone levels, regular physical examinations, and sonograms. The calf’s father, Romeo, is 30 years old and has lived at the Fort Worth Zoo since 2015.
Both mother and baby boy are doing well. Currently, they are spending time bonding in behind-the-scenes areas of the elephant habitat, Elephant Springs. The initial bonding between an elephant calf, its mother, and family unit is vital to a successful rearing. As he acclimates to his surroundings and continues to grow stronger, the animal care team will determine when a public debut can take place. Temperatures and shifts in weather will also dictate the outdoor schedule. Until then, keep an eye on the Zoo’s social media accounts and website for the most up-to-date information, photos and videos.
It is our hope that in Elephant Springs guests can connect with these creatures and be motivated to learn more about them and how to save their counterparts in the wild.
The nationally acclaimed Fort Worth Zoo has been voted a top zoo in North America by USA Today, one of the “World’s Greatest” by BloombergTV, the Best Zoo in Texas by Yahoo Travel, the No. 5 zoo in the nation by USA Travel Guide, the No. 1 family attraction in the DFW Metroplex by Zagat survey and a Top 10 Zoo or Aquarium by FamilyFun magazine. Home to nearly 7,000 animals, the Zoo is in the third of a four-phase master plan. The first phase, African Savanna, opened in 2018; the second phase, Elephant Springs, opened in April 2021. The third, featuring big cat species, is currently under construction and set to open in 2023. The institution’s focus on education and conservation is second to none, enhancing the lives of more than 1 million visitors a year and the animals that live there.