Mar 20, 2008 6:19 pm US/Eastern
Baby Elephant Born At Maryland Zoo
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
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The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore says a 290-pound male elephant calf was born about 9 p.m. Wednesday night.
The elephant population is growing at the Maryland Zoo by almost 300 pounds.
Peggy Lee reports a brand new baby elephant was welcomed into the world Wednesday night.
Standing gingerly on wobbly legs, the infant elephant takes his place as the latest addition to the Maryland Zoo.
His proud mama Felix gave birth to the baby boy 9 p.m. Wednesday.
After a relatively short labor, all 290 pounds of him were successfully delivered.
"Mom's keeping the baby real close. He's nursing real well. He's healthy," said Maryland Zoo President Don Hutchinson.
The elephant team says the calf stood shortly after birth, a good sign of excellent health.
New to the world, the baby is already breaking records.
He's the first elephant to be born at the Maryland Zoo. Zoo officials hope this pachyderm is pivotal in boosting attendance.
"The zoo's had some rough times over the past couple of years, particularly with this little baby, it will spark interest," said Hutchinson.
If you're coming out to see Felix and her little bundle of joy, unfortunately you're going to have to wait a little longer.
The zoo is taking her and the baby off the exhibit so they can have some time to bond and recover.
"The baby should be on exhibit sometime anywhere between the next four weeks to eight weeks, based on overall health, based on its ability to move around with mom, so we'll have him up and out when people can see him in spring time," said Hutchinson.
The baby elephant is still unnamed. He stands 42 inches at the shoulder.
The Maryland Zoo acquired Felix last December. This is the second calf for the 24-year-old mother.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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