Offspring Among Elephants at Vienna Zoo Schönbrunn
After more than 20 years, it is the first young animal to be naturally conceived at the Schönbrunn Zoo. The path to this delightful event was long and arduous. In May 2023, a bull was brought to Schönbrunn as part of the European Endangered Species Programme, the facility was adapted for the birth, and everything was meticulously prepared. "I am primarily very proud of our team, which has done a great job, and of course, of the 33-year-old experienced elephant cow, who mastered the birth with confidence."
Relief at Vienna Zoo Schönbrunn after Successful Elephant Birth
For the elephant cow, it is already the fourth calf. Nevertheless, a birth is always associated with many worries for the team, and the relief is now great. The team can now calmly think about a name. The young animal made a fit impression from the start and is estimated to weigh over 100 kilograms. "Within ten minutes, it was already on its feet. This is vital in the wild, as a calf has many enemies." The first major concern with an elephant birth is always when the calf drinks. But it drank very quickly. "The next concern is then when the afterbirth is expelled – this also went quickly and smoothly," reports Hering-Hagenbeck. A team of scientists was immediately ready to collect stem cells from the placenta and umbilical cord for scientific research.
Offspring Unites Elephants at Vienna Zoo Schönbrunn
The elephant facility at the zoo is now very outdated. The elephant calf was born in the rear part of the outdoor enclosure. Everything was prepared there. Wooden planks and layers of sand provided safety. A birth is a significant event for the entire herd. Visual connections allowed the other cows to observe the event. "A birth is a shared experience that unites elephants. Our animals do not come from a naturally grown family group as in the wild. It is all the more important that such an event strengthens the social structure," explains the director. Mother and calf initially remain in the rear area of the facility, where the young animal is rarely seen. Gradually, they will also explore the indoor enclosure and the front area – and thus be visible to visitors.
African Elephants Severely Threatened Worldwide
The young animal plays a crucial role in the genetic diversity of the zoo population. The care of African elephants in zoos is extremely important, as these animals are among the most endangered mammal species worldwide. In the last five decades, the population of African elephants has shrunk by at least 60 percent. Reasons for this include the loss of their natural habitat, increased human-animal conflicts, and poaching for the illegal ivory trade. Therefore, the Schönbrunn Zoo participates in conservation projects for these animals in their natural environment and cooperates with the organization "Save the Elephants" to ensure the long-term survival of the African savanna elephant in the wild.
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