Ndulamitsi, a female elephant, gave birth to a male calf at the Safari Park on August 12, 2018, in the last hours of World Elephant Day. The youngster is named Umzula-zuli, and everyone loves calling him “Zuli.” Stop by Elephant Cam and catch a glance of the tiny guy.
Promoted by MaxValueAt first, newborn elephant calves may look clumsy as they work to improve their coordination, but they mature fast. Elephant calves are typically rather hairy when they are born. Typical dimensions are a weight of 198–265 pounds (90–120 kilograms) and a height of approximately three feet (one meter).
About thirty minutes after birth, a newborn calf will stand up on its own, and an hour after that, it will begin to walk. Finding the nipple and sucking for the first time takes a bit longer since it requires the mother’s cooperation, but calves often accomplish this within 10 hours of being born. They then start to grow at a tremendous pace, putting on an average of two to three pounds each day for the first year!
During the day, a baby elephant will practice flaring its ears, learning to control its trunk, and eventually learning to walk all four legs in the same way. Coordination of all forty thousand muscles in that trunk takes the small one a few days!
Following his mother into the main habitat, Zuli met the remainder of his herd the day after he was born. They enthusiastically surrounded him, greeting with kisses, sniffs, and trumpets. The calf’s mother and the rest of the herd provide him with essential care and support during the first several months of his life.
You can notice Zuli’s mom and aunts watching over him closely as you watch him amid the herd. In the vicinity, you will also find several younger, smaller elephants—Zuli’s half-sisters and babysitters! His caretakers and the rest of the herd will keep him safe when he gets older and ventures out from Ndulamitsi. Calves still have the challenge of understanding social cues and establishing their place in the herd, even with recreation and protection.
Make it a point to watch the Elephant Cam while you have breakfast, lunch, or coffee. any time you’re in the mood for an adorable dosage of elephant size (or baby elephant size). Get ready to witness Zuli soar to new heights!