Mom and calf get acquainted.
Asian Elephant Birth at Albuquerque Biological Park
Sept 4, 2009Rozie, a 16-year-old Asian elephant at the Albuquerque BioPark’s Zoo, gave birth to a female calf at 1:43am on Wednesday, September 2, 2009. “Mother and calf are doing well," stated BioPark Director Rick Janser. "They will remain behind-the-scenes for a period of time to allow them to bond.” The newborn weighed in at a whopping 318 pounds. Janser will be available for media updates today.
Rozana, Rozie for short, was the first elephant born at the Rio Grande Zoo (November 8, 1992), and her calf is the second. Rozie became pregnant after undergoing artificial insemination in November 2007. During the past year-and-a-half, Rozie has received extensive pre-natal care, regular exams and frequent ultrasounds to monitor the health of both mother and calf. Gestation was approximately 22 months. With this calf, the Zoo’s Asian elephant herd now totals six animals: four females (Alice, Rozie, her calf and Irene) and two males (Samson and Albert).
Classified as endangered by the International Union of Conservation Nations, elephants are targeted in a number of conservation efforts, one of which is the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Elephant Species Survival Plan (SSP). A primary goal of the Elephant SSP is to boost elephant reproduction efforts in order to build a self-sustaining elephant population among North American zoos and wildlife centers. The Albuquerque Biological Park has been designated as an Elephant Breeding Facility by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. This calf is an important addition to the North American population of elephants and to the worldwide work being done to conserve this endangered species.
Media Contacts:
Ted Trujillo, Elephant Manager, 505.366.4235, tptrujillo@cabq.gov
Terry Axline, Marketing Director, 505.764.6236, taxline@cabq.gov
ABQ BioPark is an accessible facility and a division of the City of Albuquerque’s Cultural Services Department.
Same day combo admission to the BioPark’s Rio Grande Zoo, Albuquerque Aquarium and Rio Grande Botanic Garden is $12 for adults; $5 for seniors 65 and older and for children 3-12. New Mexico BioPark Society membership confers FREE general admission to all BioPark facilities and discounts to many special events, including summer concerts. Find out more about becoming a BioPark Society member at nmbioparksociety.org.
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