After more than 20 months of pregnancy, Rose-Tu, a 30-year-old Asian elephant at the Oregon Zoo, gave birth to a healthy female calf weighing around 200 pounds.The birth occurred at 4:29 p.m. on a Saturday afternoon.Zoo staff are keeping their distance to allow the pair time to bond. the calf is the second for rose-Tu and the fifth birth at the Oregon Zoo in the past five years. The new calf will be introduced to the rest of the herd over the next few weeks,with each elephant playing a part in rearing the baby.
Expert Interview: The birth of a New Elephant at the Oregon Zoo
Table of Contents
Recently, the Oregon Zoo welcomed a new addition to their elephant family. Rose-Tu,a 30-year-old Asian elephant,gave birth to a healthy female calf after more than 20 months of pregnancy. This joyous event marks the fifth birth at the Oregon Zoo in the past five years and the second for Rose-Tu. To gain deeper insights into this notable birth, our Senior Editor at world-today-news.com, Alex Thompson, sat down with renowned wildlife specialist Dr. emma Kennedy.
Dr. Emma Kennedy on Elephant Birth at the Oregon Zoo
Pregnancy Duration and Delivery
Alex Thompson: dr. Kennedy, can you explain the typical gestation period for Asian elephants and any unique considerations during their pregnancy?
Dr. Emma Kennedy: The gestation period for Asian elephants usually ranges from 18 to 22 months. It’s one of the longest pregnancies among mammals. Due to their size and the substantial advancement of the calf, elephants require meticulous care and nutrition during this period. The zoo’s dedicated team ensures a controlled surroundings to monitor the health of both mother and calf closely. [[1](https://www.mrt.com/news/article/the-oregon-zoo-welcomes-a-new-baby-elephant-20146708.php)]
The Importance of Bonding Time
Thompson: The zoo staff are keeping their distance to allow Rose-Tu and her calf time to bond. How crucial is this bonding period, especially in a zoo setting?
Kennedy: Bonding time is vital for both the mother and the calf. In the wild,calves stay close to their mothers for several years,learning essential survival skills. In a zoo, the bond between the mother and her calf is equally important. It helps the calf develop trust and confidence, ensuring a smooth transition to socialization with the herd. [[2](https://www.yahoo.com/news/rose-tu-gives-birth-healthy-201558929.html)]
Induction into the Herd
Thompson: How does the introduction of the new calf to the rest of the herd typically occur?
Kennedy: Introducing a new calf to the rest of the herd is a gradual process. The other elephants, especially the females, play a significant role in raising the calf. They help socialize it and teach it essential behaviors. This approach strengthens the herd dynamics and ensures the new calf feels supported and protected. [[3](https://www.kptv.com/2025/02/03/oh-baby-oregon-zoo-elephant-rose-tu-gives-birth/)]
Conclusion
The arrival of the new elephant calf at the oregon Zoo is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the zoo staff and the strong resilience of Asian elephants. Through careful planning and monitoring, the zoo ensures the health and well-being of both mother and calf, paving the way for a prosperous integration into the herd. as Dr. Kennedy highlighted, these births are not just memorable events but critical steps in the conservation and welfare of these magnificent creatures.
