Double trouble!
Sanuk’s elephant calf was born on Wednesday, 4 February. Both elephants are doing well! Sanuk is taking good care of her calf, following the example of her own mother, Thong Thai. For the first time in ARTIS history, two calves are growing up in the herd. The newborn calf is expected to go outside for the first time on Saturday. Keep an eye on the daily schedule for the exact times.
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. Would you like to support Asian elephants, both in the wild and at ARTIS, on a personal or corporate level? Explore the elephant adoption programme.
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.
