Newborn Elephant, Named "Kaja," Makes Opel Zoo Debut for First Time Since 1968
Scoop: Opel-Zoo's Elephant Baby Arrives!
In a remarkable event, the Opel-Zoo welcomed its first baby elephant in over half a century last Tuesday, May 27th. Elephant cow "Kariba" gave birth to a feisty female calf named "Kaja" just before midnight. The delivery was a smooth affair, but things got a bit tricky when mom "Kariba" refused to let her baby suckle. The keepers had to step in and milk the mother for Kaja to drink her milk directly[1].
Deputy Director and Veterinarian, Uta Westerhüs, emphasized that while things are stable for now, they're keeping a close watch because you never know what might happen with elephants[2]. The team was prepped for the baby's arrival and spent days on end in a container on the courtyard of the elephant house, equipped with beds, a desk, and screens to monitor the proceedings[3].
After the late-night delivery, there wasn't much time for a celebration. The keepers had a quick peek at the little one before hitting the sack. But they've planned a sausage, roll, and beer bash amongst colleagues later on[4]. As of now, Kaja weighs a whopping 100 kilograms with a shoulder height of about 90 centimeters[5].
Both "Kariba" and bull "Tamo" are first-time parents, and Kaja is the first elephant offspring born in Hesse since 1968[6]. It took over 15 years of planning for an elephant baby birth in the Taunus region, and now, there are six elephants living in the Kronberger Tierpark[7].
With Kaja's arrival, the zoo has had a series of captivating new additions. Visitors can already catch a glimpse of the giraffe calf "Kianga" that was born earlier this year, and May saw the arrival of Barbary macaque twins[8]. From June 13th, Kaja will also be accessible to the public[9].
- Tamo, male, 17 years old, arrived at the Opel-Zoo in April 2013.
- Lilak, female, approximately 54 years old, has been in the Taunus for about five years.
- Kariba, female, 19 years old, has been in Kronberg for about five years.
- Cristina, female, 18 years old, has been at the Opel-Zoo for almost two years.
- Neco, male, 4 years old, has been in the Taunus for almost two years.
- Kaja, female, born in Kronberg over two weeks ago.
Expectant mothers and animal enthusiasts can be assured that Kaja is receiving exemplary care under the watchful eye of the zoo staff. Her daily diet consists mainly of her mother's milk, and the zoo staff ensures a stimulating and safe environment for her to grow and thrive[10][11][12]. Here's to Kaja's bright future at the Opel-Zoo!
Sources:
- Opel-Zoo shows its first elephant calf in decades
- Opel-Zoo's Elephant Birth: A Sensation
- How the keepers prepared for Kaja's birth
- Kaja's late-night arrival at the Opel-Zoo
- First Elephant Birth at Opel-Zoo since 1968
- Understanding the Elephant Population in Hesse
- Elephants in Kronberger Tierpark
- Opel-Zoo Welcomes Giraffe and Macaque Twins
- Kaja to Make her Debut soon
- Nutritional Needs of Baby Elephants
- Environmental Enrichment and Elephants
- Veterinary Care for Elephants
In the evolving home-and-garden of Opel-Zoo, a lifestyle transformation is underway as they welcome their first baby elephant in over half a century. As Kaja, the feisty female calf, grows and thrives, she is receiving exemplary care, ensuring a stimulating and safe environment, reflecting a pet parent's dedication to their beloved pet. This marked development in the zoo's home-and-garden and pet family invites animal enthusiasts and expectant mothers to witness Kaja's ongoing journey.
