The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium confirmed a significant milestone after announcing that its second Asian elephant calf of the year was born late on October 22, marking the first time in the institution’s near-century history that two births occurred within one calendar year. The male calf arrived at 10:41 p.m. inside the Ohio facility, where staff implemented controlled conditions to facilitate early bonding between the mother, Phoebe, and her newborn. The zoo reported that restricted access remains necessary to safeguard the pair’s health as teams observe initial attempts to stand, nurse, and adjust to the enclosure. Officials highlighted that the event strengthens long-term conservation goals intended to support threatened species under professional care.

The zoo explained that continuous medical monitoring is underway, supported by cross-institutional coordination through a national breeding initiative designed to protect genetic diversity among Asian elephants. The calf’s father, Sabu, currently resides at the Cincinnati Zoo and was selected as part of the nationwide effort to maintain healthy bloodlines for populations facing habitat degradation and declining diversity in the wild. Phoebe’s previous offspring, born in 2021, also remains part of the current herd, which includes additional adults and another young calf delivered four months earlier. Zoo officials stated that future announcements will outline public-viewing schedules, naming plans, and developmental updates as assessments continue.