Baby elephant survives first night

11 Mar 2010, 9:50 am   -   Source: AAP
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The baby elephant being cared for. (AAP/Bobby Jo Vial/Taronga Zoo)

The baby elephant being cared for. (AAP/Bobby Jo Vial/Taronga Zoo)

The baby elephant born at Taronga Zoo has survived his first night after zoo vets initally presumed dead in a prolonged labour.

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The 'miracle' baby elephant born at Taronga Zoo has survived his first night.

The newborn came into the world at 3.27am (AEDT) on Wednesday during a protracted labour which initially convinced zoo vets he had died.

But the youngster, who was monitored throughout the night, has delighted keepers with his progress which includes suckling from his Asian mother 'Porntip' and moving about on his feet - without help.

A zoo spokesman says it is an encouraging sign.

"Both he and his mother are well and will be staying in the warm barn today," the spokesman said in a statement on Thursday.

"The other elephants, including the zoo's other calf, eight-month old Luk Chai, will be in the exhibit today with access to the barn so they can spend as much time as they wish with the pair."

Keepers and vets will continue to monitor the unnamed calf's progress.

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Your Comments

Effelant

oncewas - from bribie island, 2 years ago

Why do headlines refer to the baby elephant as a MIRACLE? It was after all mere humans who decided it was dead inside its mum and would be passed from her body in the normal course. And this with modern technology. Mum, on the other hand let nature take its course and is now the proud mum of a baby elephant, a live one. Perhaps nature and the animal kingdom know a lot more than we humans.

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