New York Zoo Announces 'Historic' Birth of Twin Asian Elephants

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo: Rosamond Giffords Zoo

The Rosamond Gifford Zoo has made history — two times over!

The Syracuse, New York facilityannounced Thursdaythat on Oct. 24, its Asian elephant, Mali, gave birth to twins. Twins only make up 1% of elephant births worldwide.

The news is especially notable, Rosamond Gifford Zoo officials said, because prior to Mali’s delivery, no U.S. zoo had welcomed surviving elephant twins.

“This is truly a historic moment for the zoo and our community,” Onondaga County executive Ryan J. McMahon said in a news release. “I couldn’t be prouder of our exceptional animal care team, the support of the veterinary staff, and their tremendous dedication to Mali and the twins.”

He added, “The important research happening right here at the zoo will have a significant impact worldwide on behalf of this magnificent endangered species.”

The exciting births of the male calves were a surprise to zoo officials, the New York parkwrote on Facebook.

“When we first announced the pregnancy of Asian elephant Mali, we assumed our herd of six Asian elephants would become seven. That’s not quite what happened… because we not only welcomed the seventh member of our Asian elephant herd — but our eighth. Mali had twins!” Rosamond Gifford Zoo’s post shared.

Last month, Mali delivered the first calf, who was “perfectly healthy” and 220 pounds, at 2 a.m.

The second calf was born 10 hours later, which “astonished” the animal care staff. That calf weighed 237 pounds but was not as strong as his brother.

“The zoo’s animal care team and veterinary staff sprang into action and were able to significantly improve the calf’s condition,” according to Rosamond Gifford Zoo’s release.

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In 2020,EEHV claimed the lives of Mali’s last two calves, Batu and Ajay.

source: people.com