ZURICH (AP) — A significant event occurred at the Zurich Zoo over the weekend as a 19-year-old Asian elephant named Farha gave birth to a male calf early Saturday morning. The birth was captured by a light-sensitive monitoring camera and took place before dawn within the zoo’s Kaeng Krachan Elephant Park. This park is currently home to six elephants, which include Farha, the calf's mother; Thai, the bull elephant and father; and four other females.

The zoo's Director, Severin Dressen, expressed a mix of happiness and caution regarding the birth. He noted that the first few weeks of an elephant calf's life are particularly delicate, despite the calf appearing healthy and fit at this early stage. Dressen emphasized the importance of monitoring the newborn closely, offering reassurance that zoo staff is taking necessary precautions.

Asian elephants, scientifically known as Elephas maximus, are classified as a critically endangered species, with only an estimated 50,000 remaining in the wild. The zoo highlighted the declining numbers of this species as a key reason for their involvement in breeding programs. The Zurich Zoo participates in the European Endangered Species Program, which is aimed at the conservation of various endangered species, including elephants.

To ensure the well-being of both the mother and the newborn, zoo staff has implemented a strategy to keep Farha away from another female elephant named Panang. Panang has limited experience with young animals, and this separation will continue for several days as a precautionary measure. This careful approach reflects the zoo's commitment to the health and safety of the new calf and the overall elephant population in their care.

Births of elephant calves in zoos are relatively uncommon, largely due to the lengthy gestation period of nearly two years that elephants experience. Therefore, each successful birth is celebrated as a significant milestone in wildlife conservation efforts. As is customary, the zoo's staff will be revealing the name of the new calf later this week. According to their announcement, the name will be chosen to begin with the letter "Z," in line with the zoo’s thematic naming practices for 2025.

A zoo spokesperson indicated that the official naming announcement will take place after a staff meeting on Wednesday. The anticipation surrounding the announcement adds to the excitement within the zoo community and among the public, as many eagerly await the name of the new calf.

Overall, the birth of this Asian elephant calf marks a positive development for the Zurich Zoo and its ongoing conservation efforts. The dedication of the staff, along with the significant attention to both the mother and calf's needs, reflects a responsible approach to wildlife care and breeding practices.