OKC Zoo Celebrates Birth Of Asian Elephant

The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden celebrated the birth of its second Asian elephant Monday. Zoo officials said the female elephant was born at 1:35 p.m. on Dec. 22, weighing 332 pounds.

The elephant was born 34 inches tall and from crown to rump measured 41 inches. The trunk's length at birth was recorded at 13 inches.

The newborn was the second elephant to be born at the zoo and the second offspring of 19-year-old Asha. The elephant's father is Rex, a 46-year-old Asian elephant. Asha gave birth to Malee, the first elephant to be born at the zoo in April of 2011.

3/16/2011 Related Story: Asha The Elephant Gives Birth At OKC Zoo

The Oklahoma City Zoo's veterinary team performed a quick, but thorough wellness exam when the calf was born. The team told News 9 they will continue to monitor both the newborn and the mother to make sure the two can bond appropriately and the calf is nursing sufficiently.

The staff members at the zoo have been on “Elephant Watch” 24/7 since mid-October.

10/7/2014 Related Story: OKC Zoo Announces Elephant Is Expecting

When the newborn is cleared for viewing, anyone can see the newborn on our News 9 Elephant Cam. It will provide around-the-clock live streaming of the barn's shared sand area.