Omaha zoo announces birth of fifth African elephant calf

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium announced the birth of an African elephant calf on Tuesday.

The calf was born just before 9 a.m. on Sunday, officials said in a press release.  It’s the fifth calf born at the Omaha zoo.

“With this calf, our herd is entering a new chapter,” said Ryan Sears, the zoo’s curator of large mammals, in the release. “Growing our herd by five in just two years is a significant achievement. Not only for us, but for the populations of African elephants within zoos everywhere. Our Zoo is helping to ensure a diverse population of elephants for years to come.”

The elephant care team had been monitoring the calf’s mother, 12-year-old Omma, 24 hours a day leading up to the birth.

The zoo’s Elephant Family Quarters will be closed temporarily to allow Omma and the herd some “quiet time” to bond with the calf.

Visitors will be able to see new calf once it reopens, officials said.