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Fort Worth Zoo Welcomes First Female Elephant Calf Since 2013

9/27/2025

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Fort Worth Zoo Welcomes Calf

The Fort Worth Zoo announces the first female Asian elephant calf born since 2013, on August 18, 2025.
The calf weighs 250 pounds and stands 36 inches tall; she is on display daily 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Her mother is Bluebonnet (born 1998); the father is Romeo. Flower-themed naming contest will announce a winner on October 7, 2025.

Right

Blackpool Zoo Celebrates Calf

Blackpool Zoo welcomed its first female Asian elephant calf, Zaiya, born September 2, 2025.
Zaiya's name means "strength" in Burmese, reflecting resilience during a challenging birth.
Zaiya initially struggled to nurse. The care team provided colostrum from her mother, Tara.
The zoo had prepared for birth by addressing potential complications during the two-year pregnancy.

History

Historical Context

The Asian Elephant Conservation Act was enacted in 2003 to address the alarming decline of Asian elephants, with only about 40,000 remaining in the wild. Recent births at Fort Worth and Blackpool Zoos in 2025, supported by organizations like the World Wildlife Fund, highlight ongoing conservation efforts. These initiatives are vital to combat habitat loss and poaching, ensuring the survival of this endangered species.

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Fort Worth Zoo Welcomes Calf

The Fort Worth Zoo announces the first female Asian elephant calf born since 2013, on August 18, 2025.
The calf weighs 250 pounds and stands 36 inches tall; she is on display daily 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Her mother is Bluebonnet (born 1998); the father is Romeo. Flower-themed naming contest will announce a winner on October 7, 2025.

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