The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium welcomed a baby Asian elephant six days ago.
At 10:41 p.m. on October 21, 2025, 38-year-old Phoebe gave birth to a healthy male calf weighing 222 pounds. As the team watched, the newborn stirred, pushed himself up on wobbly legs and took his first step. Phoebe stood steady and protective beside him, just as she has with each of her previous calves. It was a moment of instinct, strength and quiet triumph.
And now six days later, the Animal Care team have closely been monitoring the baby and his mom. It wasn’t long before the team decided the baby needed assistance to reach his mom to nurse because of Phoebe’s height. The baby is now nursing well with his mother as well as the staff attending to the pair.
The birth of two elephant calves in one year is a historic milestone for the Zoo, with this being the first time for this to happen in the Zoo’s near 100-year history. Two calves born in one year will be exciting for herd dynamics and will allow the elephants to interact, learn from one another, and thrive in a way that mirrors the social structure found in their native habitats.
Guests will be able to meet the little one in person soon after they get through these first critical days, which are about trust, security and letting Phoebe lead the way.
Asian elephants are endangered, with their populations having declined by at least 50 percent over the last three generations. Today, they occupy only about 15 percent of their historic range due to habitat loss, degradation and poaching.
Check out Phoebe’s baby being born:
We’ll have more updates soon, including the baby’s name and debut date. Welcome little one.
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