Oregon Public Broadcasting

A baby elephant born at the Oregon Zoo over the weekend is in better shape after a rocky entry into the world.

The 13-year-old Rose-Tu gave birth on Saturday, then nearly trampled her calf.  But as  Andrew Theen reports, the calf is nursing and zoo officials are optimistic about his health.

Perhaps you've seen the video of Rose-Tu giving birth.  It's quite the show -- full disclosure, there's lots of blood.

Rose-Tu was initially violent towards her baby, but zookeepers don't think there was any long-term physical damage. 

Oregon Zoo deputy director Mike Keele says zookeepers have turned a corner.   Rose-Tu is nursing, and providing the majority of the nourishment to her calf.

Mike Keele: "What we're really hoping for is  we're  going to get her to 100 percent.  And that's what we're looking for.  If it doesn't quite get to 100 percent, I think we've got something we can work out that might be more long-term.  But it doesn't look like we're going to have to hand-rear her."

The Oregon Zoo is packed with mothers, children and young couples on this warm Monday in August.

People like Sheryl Schneider, who drove down from Olympia, Washington just to go to the zoo.  I asked her what brings people out to see a baby.

Sheryl Schneider: ""To see a baby?  The same thing that brings people to the hospital to see a newborn baby human.  Babies are beautiful.  Baby is the epitome of new life."

Andrew Theen: "Regardless of species?

Sheryl Schneider:  "Regardless of species."

But Schneider and others knew very well they  would not get a glimpse of the baby elephant, or Rose-Tu.  They are in elephant seclusion.

Mike Keele the deputy director of the zoo says once the mom and calf can be together comfortably in the herd, without restraints, the public will get a chance.

He said baby animals are a big draw, and he wasn't surprised to see the public outpouring of support.

At the press conference, reporters asked Keele about the baby's sleep patterns, whether he is eating enough, how he is walking.  But I'm more worried about Mike Keele. 

He looks  like he hasn't slept in days.  That's because he hasn't.

Mike Keele: "Let's see I got here  at 5:30 Friday morning and i went home...10:30 Saturday night....Came back at 8:30 in the morning on Sunday and...... haven't been home since."

Keele says the yet unnamed calf is being bottle-fed only if he looks hungry after nursing, and zookeepers think
he may be out of the woods.

Keele says he's hopeful the time spent between mother and calf will gradually increase, and then zookeepers can go catch up on much-needed sleep.

Online:

Our New Baby Elephant! - Oregon Zoo