The Toledo Zoo is celebrating a momentous occasion as African elephant Renee gave birth to a healthy male calf on February 17. Both mother and calf are in excellent health, with the calf scheduled to make his public debut on March 16. To engage the community, the zoo has launched a naming contest, inviting the public to donate and vote for their favorite name for the new arrival. The contest, which began on Friday, will close at 11:59 p.m. on March 14, with the chosen name to be announced on March 15 via the zoo’s social media channels.
A Significant Event for the Toledo Zoo
“The birth of this precious baby elephant is a momentous event,” said Jeff Sailer, President and CEO of the Toledo Zoo, in a news release. “I couldn’t be prouder of our entire Zoo team. Their dedication to our elephants and their efforts to include our members and followers in Renee’s pregnancy journey have been outstanding. A significant part of our mission is to inspire and educate, and this baby is already helping us achieve that.”
Public Viewing and Celebration
Starting March 16, visitors can meet Renee and her calf from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Zoo members can enjoy early admission from 9 to 10 a.m. during Member Mornings. Due to high interest, the zoo staff asks for public patience while managing exhibit visitation. Groups of twenty guests at a time will be guided into the indoor exhibit by zoo staff, with a request to keep noise levels to a minimum and refrain from using flash photography.
On April 6, the zoo will host an “Elephant Baby Bash” to celebrate the new calf and invite the community to contribute enrichment items. The event will include an online component with an Amazon wish list, a drop-off site at Entry Plaza, and another drop-off site at Tembo Trail inside the zoo, featuring activities, scheduled enrichment, and keeper talks.
A Milestone in Elephant Conservation
The new calf is the result of an artificial insemination (AI) procedure, a critical part of the zoo’s efforts to preserve elephant species. Collaborating with the Elephant Species Survival Plan (SSP), the zoo selected a male named Titan from Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita, Kansas, as the father.
“Months of coordination with our field partners were required,” said Michael Frushour, General Curator of Endotherms at the Toledo Zoo. “Performing an elephant AI involves a team of specialized experts, and we collaborated with top professionals from the U.S. and around the world to ensure its success.”
Renee: A Matriarch with a Gentle Nature
Renee, who joined the zoo in 1982 and is estimated to be 45 years old as of June, weighs about 8,300 pounds and reached 8,800 pounds during her pregnancy. This is Renee’s third pregnancy through artificial insemination, highlighting the zoo’s dedication to preserving elephant species.
As the herd’s matriarch, Renee is renowned for her gentle and cooperative nature, making her the go-to elephant for training new keepers. She delights in watermelon, enjoys wallowing on warm days, and cleverly uses objects like stumps and balls to access food, showcasing her adaptability and intelligence.
Caring for Renee During Pregnancy
Throughout her pregnancy, Renee remained active and healthy, thanks to the diligent care of the elephant team. They conducted daily exercises, monitored her hormone levels, and performed weekly ultrasounds. Additionally, they collected plasma and carried out overnight observations as her due date approached, ensuring the well-being of both mother and calf. Videos of these activities are available on the zoo’s social media channels.
Supporting the Toledo Zoo’s Mission
The African elephant at the Toledo Zoo is classified as “endangered” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of threatened species. The zoo is dedicated to providing a safe and enriching environment for these animals and educating the public on the importance of wildlife preservation.
“Preserving the future of this species is critical to us, and we are committed to doing so. We look forward to the new calf joining our herd and are optimistic that he will fit in well,” said Frushour. In addition to Renee and the newborn calf, the zoo is home to two other elephants: Twiggy and Ajani.
A Growing Elephant Family
Twiggy, a USDA-seized elephant who arrived in Toledo in February 2010, weighs 7,200 pounds and is estimated to be 39 years old as of July. Known for her vocal nature and love of watermelon, Twiggy is very nurturing, and the team eagerly anticipates her interactions with Renee’s new calf.
In September 2023, the zoo welcomed Ajani, a 23-year-old male elephant. Born at the Indianapolis Zoo and having spent time at the Birmingham Zoo before moving to Sedgwick County Zoo, Ajani has enriched the herd’s social dynamics as he gets to know the keeper staff, along with Renee and Twiggy.
The Toledo Zoo’s ongoing efforts to preserve and protect endangered species like the African elephant are a testament to their commitment to conservation and education. The birth of this new calf marks another milestone in their mission to ensure a future for these majestic animals.
