An elephant calf was born at Wildlands zoo in Emmen on Sunday night.
By Marieke Bos
The zoo reports that the calf, named Mauk, and his mother, Mingalar Oo, are both in good health following the birth. Mauk weighs 100 kilos and his caregivers report that he is nursing well.
Mauk is the first calf to be born in the Elephant Valley at Wildlands, and may soon be joined by another baby elephant: last year, the zoo determined that two of the female elephants were pregnant. Another calf is expected to be born later this year.
Elephants typically give birth surrounded by the rest of their herd and the females play an important role, protecting the mother and helping the calf to learn to stand.
Mingalar Oo was the first elephant born at Wildlands 26 years ago. Mauk is her fifth calf and brings the Wildlands herd to nine.
