At Chester Zoo, a remarkable moment was recorded as a rare Asian elephant calf took its first breath, delivered by 34-year-old mother Thi Hi Way.
This tiny female calf arrived after a 22-month pregnancy, rising to her feet and being welcomed into the herd within moments of her birth.
Andy McKenzie, the zoo’s elephant team manager, reported that both mother and calf were thriving.
“A new elephant birth is truly a family event,” McKenzie explained. “The whole herd senses what’s coming, especially the older elephants who’ve seen this before. Thi Hi Way is an experienced mother, so the birth went smoothly.”
Once the calf landed on the soft sand, the herd gathered around, curiously sniffing and nudging her to encourage her first movements.
McKenzie noted, “It’s an exciting experience for the animals, and it’s great to see younger elephants learning from the older cows. For two-year-old Bala Hi Way, who hadn’t witnessed a birth before, it was an important moment to observe and learn.”
With the help of CCTV cameras, zoo staff monitored the labor process remotely, allowing the family space during this sensitive time. “We’re thrilled with how it all went,” McKenzie said. “Thi’s new calf is a wonderful addition to the Hi Way family.”
Thi Hi Way is a proud mother and grandmother within the herd, which includes her daughter Sithami, 18; granddaughter Sundara, 11; two-year-old Bala; and great-grandson, three-year-old Hari.
Tim Rowlands, Chester Zoo’s curator of mammals, emphasized the importance of this new arrival for elephant conservation awareness.
“This birth is a great way to encourage people to learn about the challenges Asian elephants face in the wild,” he explained. “While African elephants are targeted for their ivory, Asian elephants, with smaller tusks, face different threats, including conflicts with villagers over crops and property.”
Rowlands highlighted Chester Zoo’s conservation efforts in northern India, where they work to reduce human-elephant conflict, helping elephants and villagers coexist safely.
“When people visit and see our new calf, they’re also supporting vital conservation efforts for wild elephants,” he added.
This birth not only marks a joyous occasion for the zoo but also serves as a reminder of the importance of conservation in preserving these magnificent animals.
