The Sedgwick County Zoo is thrilled to welcome the birth of a third African elephant calf to our herd! In the early morning hours of Tuesday, June 3rd, new mother Arusi safely delivered a healthy calf after 651 days of gestation.
Arusi’s calf, a female named Asali, joins Bomani (born April 10) and Kijani (born April 14). Bomani, along with his mother, Talia, and Simunye, were present for the birth and have been a supportive presence for Arusi. Bomani is already excited and is very curious about his new herd mate!
Asali, whose name means “sweet like honey” in Swahili, was given this name as it holds deeper meaning within the community here at the Sedgwick County Zoo.
Herd matriarch, Stephanie, is 53 years old and has lived nearly her entire life at SCZ. Born in the wild and brought to the Zoo in 1972, she was named by the animal care team that welcomed her. However, Stephanie had already been given a name before she left Africa. That name was “Asali.”
The community grew to know and love Stephanie by her American name, but her African name remained a part of her identity in Zoo records.
Fast-forward fifty years, upon launching a capital campaign to fund the expansion of the elephant boma to accommodate our growing herd, a generous donor approached the Zoo with a large donation to the campaign. That donor’s name? Stephanie.
With two Stephanies making major contributions to the elephant herd – one financial and one matriarchal – the Zoo found a creative way to honor them both by naming its first female elephant calf Asali.
In alignment with breeding recommendations from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums African elephant Species Survival Plan, these additions to our herd are a reflection of the Zoo’s commitment to support the health and sustainability of African elephant populations in North America.
Stay tuned to the Zoo’s social media channels for more updates on Asali and the rest of the growing herd!