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Powell, OH — It’s a big summer for the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium—and even bigger for first-time elephant mom, Sundara (“Sunny”)! The 16-year-old Asian elephant has given birth to a 215-pound healthy calf, marking the first of two highly anticipated elephant births at the Zoo in 2025. Phoebe, a 38-year-old experienced mother and long-time member of the herd, is also expecting a calf this fall.
“This is an incredibly special moment for our entire team and community,” said Tom Schmid, President and CEO of the Columbus Zoo and The Wilds. “Welcoming Sunny’s calf is an exciting milestone and an important step forward in our ongoing commitment to the conservation of Asian elephants. Every birth brings hope and reminds us why this work matters for the future of their species.”
The female calf was born on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at 4:26 a.m. after a 22-month pregnancy. Both Sunny and her calf are doing well. Sunny is already showing strong maternal instincts, nurturing her calf with attentiveness and care. To give them time to rest and focus on bonding, they are currently behind the scenes and not yet viewable to the public. The little one is nursing, staying close to mom, and beginning to explore with a curious trunk and wobbly steps. While trunk coordination may take a little practice, the new arrival is already capturing hearts.
The Animal Care and Conservation Medicine teams are closely monitoring Sunny and her calf, providing round-the-clock support to ensure their health and wellbeing. The baby’s father, Sabu, resides at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden and spent time at the Columbus Zoo during a temporary stay. The pairing was recommended through the Species Survival Plan® (SSP), a program coordinated by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to support healthy, genetically diverse populations of threatened and endangered species in professional care.
Sunny lives in the Zoo’s Asia Quest region with her sister Rudy (age 23), mom-to-be Phoebe (age 38), young male Frankie (Phoebe’s calf born in 2021), and male Johnson (age 24). Sunny and her calf are continuing to settle into their routine together behind the scenes, which includes meeting other members of the herd. Updates about public viewing opportunities, naming plans, and other baby milestones will be shared on the Zoo’s social media platforms as details become available.
“From the moment we confirmed Sunny’s pregnancy, our team has been dedicated to supporting her every step of the way,” said Adam Felts, Vice President of Animal Care at the Columbus Zoo. “As a first-time mom, her progress has been incredible to witness, and a testament to the trust and bond she shares with her care team. This birth is the result of years of planning, daily commitment, and a deep understanding of Sunny’s individual needs and preferences to provide the best possible support for both her and her calf.”
Conservation in Action
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species™, Asian elephants are listed as Endangered in their native range across southern and southeastern Asia. Populations are declining due to habitat loss, degradation, and poaching. The International Elephant Foundation (IEF) estimates that only 40,000–50,000 Asian elephants remain.
The Columbus Zoo is deeply committed to saving elephants in their native range and contributing to a successful breeding program in North American zoos. The Zoo is a long-time supporter of impactful organizations such as the IEF, with many efforts focused on promoting human-elephant coexistence and monitoring elephant populations in the wild.
Columbus Zoo staff also lead the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Saving Animals From Extinction (AZA SAFE): Asian Elephant Program, an initiative that leverages collective expertise to protect the species’ future.
The Zoo plays a pivotal role in combating Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV)—a deadly virus affecting elephants both in the wild and in professional care—through its on-site diagnostic lab, developed in partnership with the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. In addition, Zoo veterinary staff contribute to a national EEHV advisory group working to prevent, diagnose, and treat the disease.
Most recently, the Columbus Zoo helped establish the Center for Species Survival for Asian Elephant (CSS Asian Elephant) in partnership with the Wildlife Trust of India and the IUCN Species Survival Commission. Located in India, the Center is the world’s first CSS hub dedicated exclusively to a single species and is uniquely situated in the heart of the elephant’s native range. CSS Asian Elephant partners are building on global collaboration to address the most pressing threats identified across the species’ 13 range countries.
While Sunny and her calf are bonding behind the scenes and are not yet viewable to the public, guests can still learn more about elephants and the Zoo’s global conservation efforts by visiting the Asian Elephant Conservation Center in the Asia Quest region.
For updates about Sunny and her calf—as well as information about the Columbus Zoo’s conservation initiatives, events, educational programs, and more—follow the Zoo’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn, and visit us at ColumbusZoo.org.
