16-Year-Old African Elephant Zahara Expecting First Artificial Insemination Calf
Indianapolis Zoo set to welcome calf in October
March. 6, 2023
The Indianapolis Zoo has announced that 16-year-old African elephant Zahara is pregnant and already 15 months into her 22-month pregnancy. Zahara is expected to give birth to the first elephant in the world conceived through artificial insemination to a mother who was also born through the same procedure.
African Elephant Reproduction: A Success Story for the Indianapolis Zoo
The Indianapolis Zoo is known for its successful elephant conservation efforts. The first and second African elephants in the world to be born through artificial insemination were at the Zoo in 2000. With a multi-generational herd, the Zoo aims to educate visitors about elephant behavior and their survival in the wild.
Preserving the Future for African Elephants
With serious population threats including habitat loss and poaching for ivory, African elephants face an uncertain future. “We want to inspire every Zoo visitor to actively support a future where these magnificent animals thrive,” says President & CEO Dr. Rob Shumaker. By visiting accredited zoos, guests can help contribute to field conservation, research, and community-based initiatives to protect elephants.
The Future of the Indianapolis Zoo’s Elephant Herd
The new calf, due in October, will complete a third generation in the Zoo’s herd. Zahara, who is the youngest elephant in the group, is being regularly monitored by her care team including keepers and veterinary staff to ensure a healthy birth. Guests can watch an ultrasound of Zahara’s pregnancy on the Zoo’s YouTube channel.
Zoo Announces Elephant Pregnancy – Indianapolis Zoo
The Indianapolis Zoo has announced exciting news recently- one of its resident elephants is pregnant! The 28-year-old African elephant, Zahara, is due to give birth in the fall of 2021. The news has thrilled animal lovers and zoo-goers alike, who are eagerly looking forward to the new arrival.
According to zoo officials, Zahara was inseminated in November 2020 as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ African Elephant Species Survival Plan, which is aimed at increasing the population of endangered African elephants. Zahara’s pregnancy is significant not only because it is her first, but also because it will add to the genetic diversity of the elephant population in North America.
Zahara arrived at the Indianapolis Zoo in 2011, and has been a much-loved member of the elephant herd ever since. With her gentle and affectionate nature, she has won the hearts of visitors as well as her fellow elephants, including her sister, Kedar, and the family’s matriarch, Kubwa.
The zoo staff has already started preparing for the new arrival. They are closely monitoring Zahara’s health and providing her with the best care possible to ensure a safe pregnancy and delivery. The staff is also busy making preparations for the calf’s arrival, including setting up a special nursery area with a heated floor to keep the calf warm during the cooler months.
As excitement builds for the new arrival, the Indianapolis Zoo is also reminding visitors about the importance of protecting elephants in the wild. African elephants are currently listed as vulnerable, with a decreasing population due to habitat loss, poaching, and other human-caused factors. The zoo is committed to conservation efforts both in the wild and in captivity, and has contributed to various conservation initiatives around the world. Visitors can learn more about these efforts at the zoo’s various exhibits and educational programs.
Visitors to the Indianapolis Zoo can look forward to seeing Zahara and her growing belly in the coming months, and then welcoming the new calf to the herd later this year. The zoo staff is excited to share this special experience with visitors, and to continue its important conservation work for the benefit of elephants and other endangered species.
Overall, the news of Zahara’s pregnancy has brought much excitement and joy to the zoo community in Indianapolis. It is a reminder of the magic of new life and the important role that zoos can play in conserving endangered species. With luck, Zahara’s pregnancy will be successful, and another beautiful elephant will join the herd for all to enjoy.
