The Houston Zoo has joyfully announced the birth of Kirby, a 314-pound female Asian elephant calf born to 34-year-old Shanti on November 15, 2024.
The labor lasted 19 hours, and Kirby demonstrated remarkable vitality by standing within six minutes, walking after 25 minutes, and nursing within an hour and a half.
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This birth marks Shanti’s seventh calf with her mate, 58-year-old Thailand. The pair’s offspring contribute to the zoo’s efforts in Asian elephant conservation, as these animals are classified as endangered due to habitat loss, human-elephant conflict, and poaching.
Following the birth, Shanti and Kirby underwent post-natal examinations and are spending time bonding in the McNair Asian Elephant Habitat cow barn. The zoo’s elephant care team is closely monitoring their progress, focusing on key developmental milestones such as communication and weight gain. Once these are achieved, the pair will make their public debut.
Visitors to the Houston Zoo play a role in supporting elephant conservation. A portion of each admission and membership fee aids in protecting wild elephants in Asia. Since 2007, the zoo has funded conservationist Nurzhafarina “Farina” Othman and her team, who use tracking collars to monitor wild elephants. This data informs protection strategies for elephant families as they navigate forest habitats.
Kirby’s birth is a significant addition to the zoo’s elephant herd and underscores the importance of conservation efforts for endangered species.
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