ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - The Saint Louis Zoo says Jade, the zoo's 17-year-old Asian Elephant, gave birth to a male Asian Elephant calf named Jet on Saturday, Nov. 23 at 4:32 a.m.
"Being able to breed and raise a baby is an important part of animal wellbeing and one of the priorities of our thoughtful and robust Animal Care program," said Regina Mossotti, Vice President of Animal Care, Saint Louis Zoo. "Our incredible and experienced Animal Care team is providing exceptional around-the-clock care for Jade and her newborn calf."
The zoo says Jet is the first Asian elephant birth from artificial insemination at the Saint Louis Zoo.
Jet's father Jake, who was born at African Lion Safari in Ontario, Canada, and currently lives at Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance.
The zoo says Jade and Jet are bonding off public view at the moment and when the calf is older and temperatures are warm enough, Jet will be able to explore his outdoor habitat.
"We are thrilled to welcome this calf, which starts the fourth generation of our Asian elephant family at the Zoo," said Tim Thier, Curator of Mammals/Ungulates and River’s Edge, and Director of the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Institute Center for Asian Elephant Conservation. "Jade and baby are doing well and bonding."
An elephant pregnancy lasts about 22 months, and a newborn typically weighs about 250 to 350 pounds. Jade received regular prenatal health checkups throughout her pregnancy by the Zoo’s elephant care team.