We're turning 1!
Celebrate with us on August 1, 2026, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Birthday enrichment
- Meet the Keepers
- Zoo Character Ambassadors for pictures
Rita Jean and Oliver Updates
Find out the latest happenin's with the Zoo's newest Asian Elephant residents!
A Big Step for the Calves
Rita Jean will be receiving the EEHV vaccine in August 2026, and Oliver will follow this fall.
Play, Enrichment, and Training
Through play and positive reinforcement training, the calves are learning valuable skills that they'll use their entire lives as they participate in their own care.
What the Team Has Learned
Two elephant calves arriving within months of each other bring with them a lot of lessons. Hear what the Elephant Care team has learned in the calves' first year!
Who's Who in the Herd, and How Are They Related?
Want to know who's related to who? Check out this family tree of the Asian elephants at the Columbus Zoo!
August is Asian Elephant Awareness Month!
Did you know there are ten times fewer Asian elephants than African elephants? With habitat loss and human activity threatening their existence, these elephants need our help now more than ever. By visiting the Columbus Zoo, you support vital conservation efforts worldwide, and together, we can secure a future for these magnificent creatures.
Led by the The Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ SAFE program, Asian Elephant Awareness Month is important for understanding the conservation needs of Asian elephants. Learn more about how you can help at https://www.aza.org/safe-species.
How the Columbus Zoo Supports Elephant Conservation Worldwide
Meet the Columbus Zoo Elephant Team!
The Elephant Care team and Conservation Medicine team have been working around the clock to ensure the herd has what it needs to thrive. Join us in thanking them, and all of the Animal Care teams at the Columbus Zoo!
Adopt an Elephant!
The Columbus Zoo offers an adorable way to support elephant conservation!
By ADOPTing an elephant plush, you're directly support the care that the elephants at the Zoo receive daily. You can find our ADOPT team at the August 1 celebration OR you can ADOPT online!
