Dallas

290-pound baby elephant welcomed to the Dallas Zoo

A baby elephant was welcomed to the Dallas Zoo in late February, the zoo announced Wednesday.

An African elephant at the Dallas Zoo, Mlilo, gave birth to a 290 pound male elephant Feb. 26.

“Mom and baby are both healthy and doing so well,” zoo officials said in a news release.

After a 22-month long pregnancy, Mlilo, an African elephant, gave birth to a 290-pound male baby elephant Feb. 26, 2023, zoo officials announced Wednesday, March 8.
After a 22-month long pregnancy, Mlilo, an African elephant, gave birth to a 290-pound male baby elephant Feb. 26, 2023, zoo officials announced Wednesday, March 8. Dallas Zoo

“We found out that she was pregnant in 2021 and we were all very excited,” said Ashley Winslett, assistant zoological manager of elephants at the Dallas Zoo. “Mlilo has done great and throughout this whole process everyone has been able to form a stronger bond with Mlilo.”

Mlilo was pregnant for 22 months, according to Winslett. She also birthed an elephant in 2017 named Ajabu.

Mlilo and the new baby will “stay behind the scenes still for several weeks” before being in their habitat, according to zoo officials. The baby’s name will be announced next week.

Mlilo, an African elephant at the Dallas Zoo, gave birth to a 290-pound baby elephant Feb. 26, 2023. His name will be announced next week, zoo officials said Wednesday, March 8.
Mlilo, an African elephant at the Dallas Zoo, gave birth to a 290-pound baby elephant Feb. 26, 2023. His name will be announced next week, zoo officials said Wednesday, March 8. Dallas Zoo

This story was originally published March 8, 2023 at 4:37 PM.

Nicole Lopez
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Nicole Lopez was a breaking news reporter at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram from 2023 to 2024.
Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER