TUCSON, Ariz. — An exciting new change is coming to Reid Park Zoo. Semba, the zoo's 29-year-old elephant, is pregnant with her fourth calf, per an announcement from Reid Park zoo.
We’ve got some #BigBabyNews: Semba the African elephant is pregnant! Head over to our #ZooBlog to learn more about what to expect while Semba is expecting: https://t.co/aPGiq7UsMt pic.twitter.com/niRLHjTsTA
— Reid Park Zoo (@ReidParkZoo) February 20, 2019
The zoo says the calf will arrive in the spring of 2020, as a typical gestation period for an African elephant is around 22 to 24 months.
Presently, the zoo says that Semba is half-way through her pregnancy and is in good health. As she progresses, the zoo will continue to watch Semba's weight, her vitamin/mineral intake, and her blood work.
Along with Semba's good health, the zoo is also confident the new calf will be well nutured in its new home.
“Semba is a great mother,” said Reid Park Zoo Director of Zoological Operations Dr. Sue Tygielski. “She has looked after her calves closely, and monitors them as they play and grow together.”
The Reid Park Zoo also noted that the birth of an African Elephant is an important event, not just for Tucson, but for the species itself.
This is because the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified African elephants as a "vulnerable species"presently suffering from habitat loss and ivory poachers.
Semba's former calf, Nandi, was the first elephant born at the Reid Park Zoo in 2014 and Semba's third calf. Nandi is still at the zoo, living with her parents, Semba and Mabu.
After the new calf is born, she will no longer be the youngest elephant at the zoo, but an older sister.
