Fresno Chaffee Zoo celebrates ‘historic’ elephant birth

FRESNO, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – The Fresno Chaffee Zoo is celebrating a historic moment and a new addition after the birth of an African elephant Friday morning.

Officials with the zoo announced that an African elephant, Nolwazi, gave birth to a male calf early Friday morning. They assure both mother and baby are doing great and they will continue to receive round-the-clock surveillance from the zoo’s animal and veterinarian teams.

“This is a historic moment for the zoo,” said CEO and zoo Director Jon Forrest Dohlin. “We could not be more excited for our teams here at the zoo and the entire Central Valley community as this is the first elephant calf born in the zoo’s 95-year history.”

Mother and calf will continue to be monitored behind the scenes. An official statement of when they will be out on the savanna for the public to see will be announced on the zoo’s social media.

The zoo’s other female African elephant, Amahle, is expected to give birth in the coming weeks, officials with the zoo say.

“This incredible milestone would not be possible if not for the continued dedication from our entire animal care and veterinarian team here at the zoo. I am incredibly grateful and in awe of their passion for the animals in our care,” Dohlin said.

Officials with the zoo say they are currently running a matching gifts program. Funds collected from the program will support the 2024 exhibit preparations for the baby elephants. To support the new baby elephants, visit the Fresno Chaffee Zoo Elephant Matching Gift Fundraiser.

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