Dublin Zoo has announced the birth of a male Asian elephant calf and they’re calling on the public to give name suggestions.

The calf which was born on Monday, May 15, is estimated to be one metre tall and weighs approximately 130 kg.

This is the fourth calf birthed by mother Yasmin and the sixth elephant calf born at Dublin Zoo in less than three years.

The newborn will join the herd of 10 Asian elephants, including father Upali, in the Kaziranga Forest Trail.

Expand Close Dublin zoo welcomes new elephant / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Dublin zoo welcomes new elephant

“The birth of an Asian elephant is an amazing spectacle and this was no exception,” said operation manager at Dublin Zoo, Gerry Creighton.

“The arrival of the calf was greeted with celebratory trumpeting and each member of the herd, from the oldest to youngest, played a role in assisting with the birth.”

This latest birth is a significant success for Dublin Zoo as part of the international breeding programme established to assist the survival of the Asian elephant. It is estimated that only 30,000 to 60,000 of these animals exist in the wild, with the largest population found in India.

“We’ve been on an incredible journey over the past three years, overseeing the birth of six elephant calves, placing Dublin Zoo as one the most successful Asian elephant breeding programmes in the world. The recent births are of huge significance for the future of the endangered Asian elephant,” said Creighton.

“We’re very proud of the expanding herd and seeing the eleven elephants together will be a wonderful sight for visitors to the Zoo over the summer.”

Dublin Zoo are inviting the public to suggest a name for the new arrival based on his Asian origin which can be submitted at www.DublinZoo.ie

“The new calf needs a name, so we would like to invite the public to suggest names for the newest arrival based on his Asian origin at DublinZoo.ie."

The new arrival can be visited at the Kaziranga Forest Trail in Dublin Zoo.

Online Editors