A Month of Milestones: The First 30 Days of Our Newest Elephant Calf

When the newest member of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s elephant family made her debut on July 23, 2025, she instantly captured the hearts of her care team. Born to first-time mom, Sunny, this tiny calf, already weighing more than 200 pounds at birth, represents both a personal triumph for her new herd and an important step forward for the future of Asian elephant conservation.

Every elephant birth is significant, and the first month of her life has been filled with moments that remind us just how fragile and precious these beginnings can be. Asian elephants are considered endangered, with populations continuing to decline in their native ranges. As one of two calves expected this year at the Columbus Zoo, this baby adds to the genetic diversity of the population and serves as a species ambassador, helping millions of people connect to the challenges elephants face in their native range and inspiring action to protect them.

two Asian elephants at the Columbus Zoo, mother and baby — *Baby Asian elephant, RIta Jean, and her mother, Sunny, at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium*

Her birth is also a direct outcome of the Asian Elephant Species Survival Plan® (SSP), a program through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) that carefully manages the population in professional care to ensure a healthy and genetically-diverse future for threatened and endangered species.

In addition, the Zoo holds a founding role in the Center for Species Survival (CSS) for Asian Elephants in India—the first CSS hub dedicated to a single species and uniquely located in the heart of the elephant’s native range. This collaborative effort builds on global partnerships to address the most pressing threats across the species’ 13 range countries. The Zoo also leads the AZA Asian Elephant SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) program, uniting experts worldwide to advance research, education, and conservation for this endangered species. This calf’s arrival is a joyful milestone for our community and a hopeful step for elephants everywhere.

A Timeline of Firsts

In her first 30 days, the calf has reached milestone after milestone. Each step, trunk swing, and playful interaction has given the elephant team—and all of us watching—a chance to celebrate her growth!

First Steps: Within just 30 minutes of her birth, the calf was already on her feet. Sunny’s visible joy at seeing her little one standing strong was a moving moment for the entire care team.
First Nursing: It took nearly three hours before the calf began nursing consistently on her own. Those first feedings are critical, as mom’s colostrum provides vital antibodies in the first hours and days. Since birth, she’s shown steady growth, going from 215 pounds at delivery to 300 pounds by late August—already gaining 2–3 pounds a day.
First Trunk Use: Like all baby elephants, she has been figuring out the tricky art of trunk control. During her first week, she began experimenting by picking up hay and browse, though she was not eating just yet. By five weeks, she had started mouthing objects—still working on the chewing part but showing great curiosity.
First Herd Interaction: Social bonds are key for elephants, and this calf is starting hers early. During her first week, she met her Aunt Rudy, and introductions to Phoebe and young Frankie are underway. While her own reactions have been subtle so far, these early moments help her find her place within the herd.
First Outdoor Exploration: At just six days old, she ventured outside into a behind-the-scenes yard, sticking close to mom. True to her adventurous spirit, she also tried climbing low rocks, surprising her care team with such bold exploration at this a young age.
First Guest Viewing: On August 4, she made her public debut. Guests instantly fell in love, filling the air with delighted “oohs” and “ahhs.” Her arrival has already left a lasting impression, connecting people with the wonder of elephants and their conservation story.

These “firsts” are milestones. They are a testament of the dedication of Sunny, who is learning to be a mother, and the elephant care team, who support her every step of the way.

baby elephant laying in straw — *Asian elephant, RIta Jean, the first of two elephant babies expected in 2025 at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium*

Hope for the Future

As remarkable as these first moments have been, their importance extends far beyond Columbus. Each step this calf takes is a reflection of our mission of Empowering People. Saving Wildlife. Through the care we provide to the calf and her family—and by sharing their story with our community—we are working to inspire others to join us in protecting elephants in their native range.

Asian elephants face threats from habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. But with every successful birth, every conservation partnership, and the support of our members, guests, and community, we are strengthening the future for this endangered species.

Sunny’s baby is a symbol of resilience, hope, and the power of conservation. Together, we celebrate her first month and look forward to the milestones yet to come.

Read this article and more in the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium's e-magazine, the Beastly Banner.