Reid Park Zoo Welcomes New Elephant Calf to the Herd

The wait is over! Reid Park Zoo in Tucson, Arizona is proud to announce that Semba, the Zoo’s African elephant matriarch, gave birth to a calf at 3:33 a.m., Monday, April 6, 2020. The female calf who weighed in at 295 pounds is healthy, standing, and nursing. “Semba is an experienced mother,” said Dr. Sue Tygielski, Director of Zoological Operations. “After 22 long months of gestation, she had smooth labor without any complications. As African elephants continue to face increasing challenges in the wild, each birth contributes to the global population and sustainability of this vulnerable species. Today, the birth of this calf gives us cause for celebration at Reid Park Zoo, and it gives us optimism for the future.” Zoo animal care staff will continue to closely monitor Semba and her cal