First time outside
Under the watchful eye of hundreds of visitors, Mook went outside for the first time. Trumpeting loudly, the herd entered the outdoor enclosure, with the calf staying close to his mother, safely beneath her belly. Want to come and see? Over the coming period, Mook will go outside twice a day if possible. If he's not going outside, you can see him in the stables at set times. Check the daily schedule for visiting hours.
Mook Uhm
From nearly 10,000 submissions, a name has been chosen for the calf: Mook Uhm. Asian in origin, with an Amsterdam twist. ‘Mook’ is derived from the Thai word for pearl. Together, the name forms a unique combination that suits ARTIS perfectly. Thank you to everyone who contributed ideas!
A calf born on Christmas Eve
Birth of the elephant calf
On Christmas Eve, an Asian elephant was born at ARTIS. It is a male calf and the offspring of the experienced mother Thong Thai, the matriarch of the herd. Within minutes of birth, the calf was standing on all four legs and soon began nursing from its mother. An elephant calf that feeds well gains about one kilogram per day. The calf is expected to be visible outdoors in about a week.
Protecting an endangered species
The Asian elephant is seriously endangered, mainly due to habitat loss and poaching. ARTIS participates in the European Endangered Species Programme, which aims to build a healthy population of Asian elephants in zoos. The arrival of two calves is therefore of great importance: they contribute to the international studbook and support scientific research that helps protect the species in the wild.
About the Asian elephant
Asian elephants play a vital role in their ecosystem. Did you know they do not fully digest their food? As a result, large amounts of plant material — including seeds and pits — return to nature undigested, helping to disperse seeds. Elephants also create paths through forests. These open spaces allow light and room for new growth, making the development of new nature possible.
