The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is gearing up for an exciting year ahead!
Veterinarians at the zoo have confirmed that two of their beloved elephants, Phoebe and Sunny, are pregnant and expecting calves in 2025. This marks a significant milestone as it’s the first time in the zoo’s history that two elephants are pregnant simultaneously.
“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,” said Adam Felts, Senior Curator of Animal Care and Director of Animal Wellbeing at the zoo. “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.”
Phoebe, already a seasoned mom to 3-year-old Frankie, is no stranger to motherhood. Sunny, however, is a first-time mom, so the zoo’s team is cautiously optimistic but thrilled that she’s sharing this experience with Phoebe by her side.
Both calves have the same father, Sabu, who was temporarily housed at the Columbus Zoo during the construction of Cincinnati Zoo’s Elephant Trek habitat.
His return to Cincinnati hasn’t dampened the excitement at Columbus Zoo, where the breeding was a part of the Species Survival Plan® (SSP). This program, coordinated by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), aims to maintain the genetic diversity of endangered species.
This joyful news comes just as Asian Elephant Awareness Month wraps up—a global initiative observed every August to highlight the threats these majestic animals face and the conservation efforts dedicated to their survival.
Elephant wellbeing is a top priority at the Columbus Zoo, where the herd enjoys spacious habitats equipped with features like outdoor swimming pools, an indoor shower, mud wallows, sand floors, and various interactive feeding stations. With the herd set to expand, so too will their living space.
The zoo is currently renovating its former rhino yard in the Asia Quest region to provide an additional 3,600 square feet of space for the elephants. The project, expected to be completed by the end of October, will include new features like a training panel, enrichment panels, hay nets, and a circular feeding area affectionately dubbed the “Dining Table.”
The Columbus Zoo’s elephant herd consists of five members:
23-year-old male Johnson, 37-year-old Phoebe, 15-year-old Sunny, 22-year-old Rudy, and Phoebe’s son Frankie. With his energetic and playful nature, Frankie is expected to be a fantastic big brother.
The zoo’s Animal Care and Conservation Medicine teams are closely monitoring Phoebe and Sunny throughout their pregnancies, providing regular exams to ensure their comfort and wellbeing during the 22-month gestation period.
Asian elephants are currently listed as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with only 40,000-50,000 remaining in the wild. The Columbus Zoo is committed to protecting these animals, both in their native ranges across Asia and within North American zoos. The zoo is involved in several impactful programs, including leading the AZA’s SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) Asian Elephant Program.
Moreover, the zoo recently launched the Center for Species Survival for Asian Elephant (CSS: Asian Elephant) in collaboration with the Wildlife Trust of India and the IUCN. Located in India, this center is the first conservation hub dedicated exclusively to Asian elephants and is uniquely situated within their native range. The CSS: Asian Elephant works globally to address the conservation challenges identified by the 13 range countries of Asian elephants.
For more updates on the Columbus Zoo’s conservation efforts, events, and more, be sure to follow them on social media or visit ColumbusZoo.org.
