The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium welcomed the birth of an Asian elephant in the zoo's Asia Quest region Thursday morning.
The calf, born at 3:09 a.m., is the first elephant born at the zoo in nearly 10 years. It's the first elephant born at the zoo through artificial insemination.
The zoo said the mother, 31-year-old Phoebe, was inseminated with the sperm of Hank, a 30-year-old elephant at the Columbus Zoo, as well as another elephant at the zoo, leading to a precarious family situation that will no doubt be resolved in a future episode of "Maury."
The calf joins the herd of six elephants at the zoo.
“We are very proud to welcome Phoebe’s calf into the elephant herd here at the Columbus Zoo,” said Columbus Zoo President/CEO Tom Stalf in a press release. “Each birth contributes to the global population and sustainability of this endangered species and is one worth celebrating as a sign of hope for the future of these incredible animals.”
As the baby elephant gets acclimated with its new home, Phoebe and the calf will remain behind-the-scenes before joining the herd.
