POWELL, Ohio (WCMH) — A baby boom is happening at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, with more infant and pregnancy news arriving on the cusp of spring.
Along with the recent announcement of dozens of baby seahorses, the zoo has revealed the hatching of two penguin chicks and it shared an update on two expecting Asian elephants.
On its Facebook account, the zoo posted Wednesday about the pair of aquatic birds welcomed in the Shores and Aquarium area.
“The two little ones hatched just after Valentine’s Day on February 18 and February 20,” the post’s caption read. “The first chick is the offspring of Big Bertha ‘BB’ Cobblepot, sired by Dr. Oswald Cobblepot and the second chick is the offspring of Asela Bellfontaine, sired by Professor Phineas Sprinklebottom.”
The zoo noted the infants will attend “penguin preschool,” before visitors can view the duo later this year. This education helps them develop self-assurance and grow stronger while they experience colony life and learn to dive and swim in deeper water.
On Tuesday, the zoo posted a recent sonogram of pregnant elephant Phoebe.
“This special image gives us a peek at Phoebe’s growing baby elephant!” the zoo wrote in the caption. “While we can’t see the entire fetus at once (elephants are huge, after all), we often spot the ribcage and even the beating heart.”
The zoo said Phoebe is doing well, and her calf is scheduled to arrive this fall. The organization added some interesting details about elephant pregnancies, stating that they are divided into trimesters that span more than seven months each for a total of 22 months gestation. The animal’s “baby bump” does not appear until late into the final trimester and they do not need significant dietary adjustments while carrying their offspring.
“While elephant pregnancies last much longer than humans, their actual births can be much quicker!” the zoo wrote. “Our dedicated Animal Care and Veterinary teams are closely monitoring Phoebe, performing regular ultrasounds, preparing for every scenario, and ensuring she’s comfortable every step of the way.”
According to the zoo, once Phoebe’s baby arrives, weighing around 250–300 pounds, she will receive extra nutrition to support nursing.
In addition to Phoebe, Asian elephant Sunny is also due to deliver a calf in the upcoming months.
