Partners in Conservation
Learn about the Zoo’s financial commitment to holistic conservation efforts in Central Africa.
Phoebe and Sunny are pregnant!
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is eagerly preparing for not just one, but TWO baby Asian elephants to arrive this year—one this summer and another later in the year. This marks the first time in our history that two elephant moms are expecting at the same time, and we couldn’t be more excited!
Stay tuned for weekly updates leading up to the first birth—this is a journey you won’t want to miss!
Why It's Important
This moment is exactly why we expanded the elephant habitat this past year—creating more space for multigenerational herds to thrive. These two calves will learn from each other, just like they would in their native range, gaining critical social skills from each other and the rest of the herd. And when you visit, you’ll get to witness these special bonds forming firsthand!
More than just a Zoo milestone, these births represent a significant step for Asian elephant conservation. With wild populations facing habitat loss and other challenges, every birth in an accredited conservation program, like ours, helps secure a future for this endangered species. In fact, the Columbus Zoo is proud to be a leader in the IUCN SSC: Asian Elephant Specialist Group, working alongside global experts to protect elephants in their native ranges.
Ultrasounds are Underway!
This ultrasound gives us a glimpse of Phoebe’s baby elephant in the womb! While we can’t see the entire fetus at once—elephants are massive, after all—we often spot the ribcage and even the tiny beating heart.
Elephant pregnancies last an incredible 22 months, with each trimester spanning over seven months. Phoebe is doing great, and her little one is expected this fall. Unlike humans, elephants don’t need major dietary changes, and their baby bump doesn’t show much until late in pregnancy. But once the baby arrives, Phoebe will receive extra nutrition to support her newborn—who will weigh 250-300 pounds at birth!
Our Animal Care and Conservation Medicine teams are closely monitoring Phoebe AND Sunny with regular ultrasounds, making sure they're comfortable and prepared for their big days. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting journey!
