3-Week-Old Baby Elephant Dies Suddenly At Columbus Zoo

A baby elephant that was born just three weeks ago at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has passed away this week after a sudden illness, the zoo said Wednesday. 

The female Asian elephant, which was being monitored 24/7 by members of the zoo's staff, appeared to be sluggish on Wednesday morning the zoo's veterinary team said. When staff members examined the baby elephant, they found she had an infection. The calf was administered fluids, antibiotics, and blood plasma from her mother, Phoebe. 

The baby elephant, who had not been named yet, appeared to briefly recover, but the team says her health declined quickly despite treatment. 

“At only a few weeks of age, this little calf had already won our hearts. She was a cherished member of our Zoo family, and we are mourning her passing,” said Columbus Zoo President/CEO Tom Stalf. “I have the privilege of working alongside amazing, compassionate and dedicated animal experts. Our team is going through an exceptionally difficult time with our recent unrelated losses, and we are appreciative of the outpouring of support we receive from near and far.”

The unnamed baby elephant was born on Dec. 6 and it was the first elephant to have been born at the Columbus Zoo in nearly 10 years. She was sired by a 31-year-old Asian elephant named Phoebe who was artificially inseminated with sperm from two elephants, one of which was located at the same zoo. 

Photo: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium