Baby Elephant’s 22-Month Journey to Life at Chester Zoo: Nature’s Marvel Unveiled!

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A new addition to the Chester Zoo family has brought pure delight – a precious baby elephant.

This little calf, born to her 12-year-old mother Sundara after an extraordinary 22-month gestation period, is yet to be christened.

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Both mother and daughter are in excellent health, and you can meet this adorable new arrival starting today.

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This charming calf is the 19th baby elephant to be welcomed into the zoo’s 85-year history. Joining a herd of seven, with five members from the Hi Way𝕤 family, she’s a rare and unique addition. In the UK, elephant births in captivity occur only once or twice a year.

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In a recent overnight event, an anonymous female elephant was born at Chester Zoo to the young mother, Sundara.

The 22-month-long pregnancy was carefully monitored through CCTV cameras to ensure the herd’s comfort. Soon, this adorable calf will receive her name.

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Richard Fraser, an elephant management expert at the zoo, emphasized the significance of this event in strengthening the bonds within the elephant family.

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Approximately 35,000 to 40,000 elephants live in the wild, and managed breeding programs play a crucial role in their conservation.

Sundara’s labor was unique as her family seemed to sense the extraordinary event unfolding.

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Sundara, who has given birth before, smoothly delivered the baby on soft sand, surrounded by her entire elephant family.

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Both mother and daughter are in excellent health, and the baby elephant can be visited by zoo enthusiasts starting today.

With gentle nudges, Sundara encouraged her calf to stand up, and in just a few minutes, the little one was on her feet, attempting to suckle. Elephant births always ignite joy within the herd, and the arrival of this baby was no different.

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Richard Fraser, the assistant team manager of elephants at Chester Zoo, shared that the birth of a calf is a momentous event for the entire elephant family.

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The other elephants did not overlook Sundara’s signs of labor, and the birth proceeded smoothly.

Sundara’s gentle encouragement helped the newborn elephant take her first steps, surrounded by her loving family on soft sand. This remarkable event always brings positivity and new life to the elephant herd.

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Asian elephants are native to South and South East Asia and are currently listed as endangered.

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With a lifespan of 50 to 60 years, these magnificent creatures are vital for our ecosystem.

According to Richard Fraser, assistant team manager in charge of elephants at Chester Zoo, the birth of a new elephant is always met with great excitement amongst the herd, as it’s considered a highly positive event that brings joy to their community.

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Asian elephants are indigenous to South and South East Asia and are endangered.

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However, between 35,000 and 40,000 of these magnificent creatures exist in the wild and managed breeding programs, with an average lifespan of approximately 50 to 60 years.

In South and South East Asia, you’ll find the endangered Asian elephants. Mike Jordan, Chester Zoo’s collections director, expressed his excitement over the new addition to the Hi Way family of elephants in the zoo.

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He hopes this news will raise awareness about these incredible animals and their challenges for survival in the wild.

In India, Asian elephants often encounter injuries and fatalities due to conflicts with humans from crop destruction and property damage.

Chester Zoo’s conservation efforts in northern India’s Assam region aim to find effective ways for people and wild elephants to coexist peacefully.

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Read more Elephant News.


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