Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is thrilled to announce the birth of a male African elephant calf just before 9 a.m. on Sunday, February 18. The mother of the calf is 12-year-old Omma.
This is the fifth calf born at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, joining half-siblings: 2-year-olds Eugenia and Sonny, 1-year-old Mopani and 6-month-old Amandra. The calves’ father, 23-year-old Callee, was moved to another zoo in May as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ African Elephant Species Survival Plan. This calf brings the total number of elephants in our herd to 10.
“With this calf, our herd is entering a new chapter,” said Ryan Sears, the Zoo’s curator of large mammals. “Growing our herd by five in just two years is a significant achievement. Not only for us, but for the populations of African elephants within zoos everywhere. Our Zoo is helping to ensure a diverse population of elephants for years to come.”
The elephant care team had been monitoring Omma for 24 hours a day leading up to the birth. At this time, the Elephant Family Quarters will be temporarily closed to the public to allow Omma and the herd some quiet time to bond with the calf. Guests will have the opportunity to see all elephant calves with the herd in the Elephant Family Quarters once reopened.
