COLUMBUS, Ohio — There will soon be two new baby elephants at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium!
Phoebe and Sunny are both pregnant and expecting calves next year. It’s the first time in the zoo’s history that two elephants are pregnant at the same time.
Phoebe is the mother of 3-year-old Frankie and this is Sunny’s first pregnancy. The calves are expected in the summer and fall of 2025.
Sabu is the father of both calves. He was in Columbus temporarily due to the construction of his habitat at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens.
The breeding was planned and recommended through the Species Survival Plan.
“This is a very exciting time as these pregnancies provide us with the opportunity to care for a multigenerational herd, which is beneficial for the elephants and their social dynamics. The upcoming births also provide fresh hope for Asian elephant conservation, helping to ensure a genetically diverse and healthy population of elephants in North American zoos. These efforts align with our global commitment, ensuring that Asian elephants are protected in the wild,” said Adam Felts, senior curator of animal care and director of animal wellbeing.
The Columbus Zoo is planning to expand and renovate the elephant’s outdoor habitat to account for its growing herd. The project is expected to wrap up this October.
Here are some of the features of the new habitat:
- A new training panel near the guest tour space
- Modified pool
- Enrichment panels
- Hay nets
- Automatic hay release feeders
- A circular feeding area (dubbed the “Dining Table”), where multiple elephants can eat and socialize together
- Enhanced guest viewing opportunities
Right now, there are five members of the herd: 23-year-old Johnson, 37-year-old Phoebe, sisters Sunny and Rudy and Phoebe’s son, Frankie.
The two expecting mothers will be monitored closely throughout their 22-month gestation period.