This is a busy and exciting time for Dublin Zoo as a second baby Asian elephant was born. Weighing in at 70 kilos, the unnamed male calf was born to first time mum Anak, who is said to have bonded well with her baby.
“It is amazing for us to be able to announce the birth of two Asian elephants in the space of six weeks.” Paul O’Donoghue, assistant director at Dublin Zoo said.
“The calf is doing well and is being watched carefully by his mum Anak and the rest of the herd. As a first time mother, Anak has bonded very well with the calf, with the help of the family unit.”
The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Christy Burke joined the big announcement, and as a celebration of the two additions to the Dublin Zoo family has named October 2014 the ‘Month of the Elephant’.
October will see a celebration of all things elephant with a month of family fun days, events, workshops and keeper talks all around Dublin city and at the Zoo.
The Lord Mayor said, “The birth of the Asian elephants at Dublin Zoo is something that all of us at Dublin City Council want the people of Dublin to enjoy and share in.”
“The Zoo is part of the fabric of Dublin life and has been a must see for Dublin families since it opened in 1831. I am delighted to be here today at the announcement of this second healthy bull calf and of course we wait expectantly for news of a third elephant arrival later in the autumn.
“These elephant births are really a wonderful achievement for the Zoo and as well as playing such an important role in the conservation of this species, will continue to ensure that our city’s Zoo makes news around the world which is a great thing for Dublin.”
