Say hello to the first elephant calf born in Night Safari’s Asian elephant exhibit in six years. Arriving on May 12, a fortnight before the park’s 22nd anniversary, the 149kg as-of-yet unnamed female is the offspring of 39-year-old Chawang and 30-year-old Sri Nandong. Since then, the calf has gained 43kg, bringing its weight up to a hefty 92kg.
With the new addition to the family, Night Safari is now home to three female and two male elephants. The birth was a surprise for the elephant keepers, who knew Sri Nandong was pregnant, but did not expect it to happen in the elephant exhibit during operation hours. FYI, an elephant’s gestation period is the longest in the animal kingdom, lasting anywhere between 22 to 24 months.
For now, the baby enjoys frolicking in her colourful play pool, going on walks with the older elephants, and using her trunk to explore and attempt to eat solid food (although she’s still mainly reliant on her mother’s milk). Just watch this video of her taking in the new experiences. It’s too cute for words.
Visitors to the Night Safari will be able to take a peek at the little one from late June onwards.
