Big baby at Dublin Zoo

DUBLIN Zoo had a new arrival last week after Asian elephant, Anak, gave birth to a healthy male calf.

The zoo’s biggest baby was born at 6.34am on Tuesday, August 19, weighing in at a hefty 70kg.

The as-yet unnamed calf is already on its feet and is being protected by the rest of the zoo’s Asian elephant herd – Bernhardine, Asha, Yasmin and her new calf, who was only born last month, and proud parents, Anak and dad Upali.

Lord Mayor of Dublin, Christy Burke, was at the zoo for the announcement of the birth. The mayor and his colleagues at Dublin City Council have named October 2014 as ‘Month of the Elephant’ to celebrate the two new recent arrivals.

During the month Dublin Zoo will have an exciting elephant themed calendar of family fun days, events, workshops and keeper talks all around Dublin city as well as at the zoo.

The Natural Confectionary Company – who sponsor the Kaziranga Forest Trail at Dublin Zoo where the elephants live – will be announcing details of a naming competition for the latest arrival on their Facebook page.

Winners of the contest will get to officially name the new arrival at a special event in Dublin Zoo.