Safari Park Welcomes Baby Elephant

Newborn watched over by mother and sister

A baby African elephant was born in the San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park early Monday.

Mother elephant Umngani gave birth to a male calf at about 5:45 a.m. The newborn is the 18th elephant in the Safari Park, according to zoo officials.

Umngani has given birth to three calves in her time at the park. Five years ago, she gave birth to a female elephant, who has been guarding the newborn from the rest of the herd since he was born.

The baby elephant will stay isolated from the herd with his mother and sister until he bonds and develops properly.

Usually, newborn elephants weigh between 200 and 300 pounds. Mother elephants’ pregnancies last about 22 months. 

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