On October 24, the zoo announced the birth of twin Asian elephants to their proud parents, Mali and Doc.
The zoo staff were caught off guard by the arrival of twin elephants, as stated in the press statement. Twin elephant births are exceedingly rare, accounting for less than 1% of all elephant births, and the chances of survival for twin calves are slim.
According to the statement, the initial newborn weighed 220 pounds and arrived at approximately 2 a.m.
Following the birth of a male calf, Mali surprised staff 10 hours later by giving birth to a second male calf. Although the second calf weighed 237 pounds, it was weaker than the first.
According to the statement, the team responsible for taking care of the animals at the zoo and the veterinary staff quickly took action and managed to improve the calf’s condition to a great extent.
According to the statement, the team was not expecting twin birth because of the slim chance and the intricate nature of elephant ultrasounds. Nevertheless, they had a unique milk substitute available to supplement the nourishment of the second calf.
According to the zoo, the birth of elephant twins is a significant event for them since there is no documented occurrence of twin elephant survival in the United States.
The release quotes Onondaga County Executive Ryan J. McMahon expressing his pride and admiration for the animal care team and veterinary staff involved in the historic moment of the zoo. The birth of Mali’s twins was a significant event for the community, and it wouldn’t have been possible without their dedication and hard work.
The zoo is conducting vital research that will make a huge difference for the endangered Asian elephant, whose population has suffered due to various factors such as habitat fragmentation, human-elephant conflict, and poaching in Southeast Asia. The miracle twins, who are part of this species, are expected to grow into massive adults, weighing approximately 11,000 pounds and standing between 6 to 11 feet tall, according to the World Wildlife Fund’s size estimates. This research has the potential to significantly impact the future of these magnificent creatures on a global scale.
Besides aiding in the conservation of the endangered species, the zoo is optimistic that the recent birth of twin elephants will further assist in the eradication of a deadly disease affecting elephants. The press release mentioned that Mali and Doc had earlier lost their two calves as a result of elephant endotheliotropic herpes virus, which is the primary cause of death among juvenile elephants. The zoo revealed that Mali’s placentas were sent to Baylor University for research purposes, with the aim of devising a vaccine and therapy for the illness. Additionally, the newborns will undergo constant testing and observation for the ailment.
The recent arrival of twin elephants has increased the Rosamond Gifford Zoo’s herd to eight. If you’re planning on visiting, you’ll have a chance to see these adorable babies and the rest of the herd at the Helga Beck Asian Elephant Preserve.
