ST. LOUIS — An Asian elephant calf was born early Saturday morning at the Saint Louis Zoo, and it's a boy named Jet.
Jet is the first Asian elephant born at the Saint Louis Zoo through artificial insemination, and his birth marks the fourth generation of the zoo's elephant family, said Tim Thier, the director of the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Institute Center for Asian Elephant Conservation.
"We are thrilled to welcome this calf," Thier said. "Jade and baby are doing well and bonding."
Jet was born at 4:32 a.m. to his mother, Jade, the zoo's 17-year-old Asian elephant. While Jade did most of the work, the zoo's elephant care team helped make sure Jet arrived on time and with the right luggage.
Jet's father, Jake, was born at African Lion Safari in Ontario but currently lives in Denver at the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance.
"Using the science of artificial insemination allowed Jade to contribute to the genetic diversity of the population while remaining with her family group," a statement from the zoo said. "The Saint Louis Zoo is committed to improving the sustainability of the Asian elephant population."
Saint Louis Zoo Vice President of Animal Care Regina Mossotti said her team is making sure baby Jet and mother Jade get the exceptional around-the-clock care they need.
For elephants, a typical pregnancy lasts about 22 months, and a newborn calf typically weights about 250-350 pounds, according to the zoo's statement.
"Jade is part of an eight-member, four-generation elephant family that includes her new calf, Ellie, Maliha, Pearl, Priya, Sri and Raja at the Zoo’s River’s Edge and Staenberg Group Elephant Woods habitats," the statement said. "Jade was born at the Saint Louis Zoo in 2007 to parents Rani and Raja."
