PORTLAND, Ore. — Rose-Tu has given birth to her first baby, the 28th elephant born in the history of the Oregon Zoo.
The 14-year-old Asian elephant delivered the 286-pound male calf Saturday afternoon and immediately kicked it, a common way mother elephants encourage infants to stand. Zookeepers, however, rushed in when the kicking became too violent.
Mike Keele, the zoo’s deputy director, believes that because Rose-Tu had never seen a birth before, she became confused when the baby was born.
“Our veterinarians have examined the calf to see if he sustained any injuries, however from the behavioral signs we’ve seen thus far, we’re very hopeful,” said Keele, adding that Rose-Tu is doing well after more than 31 hours of labor.
Born Aug. 31, 1994, Rose-Tu was the most recent elephant born at the zoo.
The father of the baby elephant is Tusko, a 36-year-old Asian elephant who arrived at the zoo three summers ago on a breeding loan.
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