Baby Elephant Is Zoo’s Biggest Bundle of Joy
Published on November 24, 2013
Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo has kicked off 2013 with a bang by showcasing its newest addition: an African elephant calf!
The calf was born to mother Mbali on Dec. 23, and, at 2 weeks old, was unveiled to the public in short spurts. The big little girl who has not yet been named spends her days exploring, learning to use her ears and trunk, nursing and napping, the zoo says. She's learning to navigate the outdoor savannah with her mom and two aunts.
Her birth was significant for a couple of reasons. For one thing, she was the first calf born in Tampa from a herd of 11 elephants rescued from culling in Swaziland, Africa, about 10 years ago. She also introduces new DNA into the gene pool of elephants managed in North America.
