Two elephants at Columbus Zoo simultaneously pregnant by same father

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – For the first time in the Columbus Zoo’s history, two elephants are pregnant at the same time and expecting to give birth next year. 

Asian elephants Phoebe, 37, and Sunny, 15, are both pregnant. Sunny will be a first-time mother, while Phoebe has given birth five times. The father of both calves is Asian elephant Sabu, who recently returned to the Cincinnati Zoo after a temporary stay in Columbus while his new habitat was being built.

“This is a very exciting time as these pregnancies provide us with the opportunity to care for a multigenerational herd, which is beneficial for the elephants and their social dynamics,” said Adam Felts, Senior Curator of Animal Care and Director of Animal Wellbeing. “The upcoming births also provide fresh hope for Asian elephant conservation, helping to ensure a genetically diverse and healthy population of elephants in North American zoos.”

Phoebe is "great" and "experienced" mother who give birth to and raised 3-year-old Frankie, a member of the Columbus Zoo’s elephant herd, the zoo said. They expect "playful" and "energetic" Frankie to be a "fantastic" big brother.

The zoo said it is closely monitoring the mothers-to-be and providing regular exams to ensure their wellbeing throughout the 22-month gestation period. The breeding of the elephants was recommended through the Species Survival Plan program, coordinated by the Association of Zoos and Aquarium. 

As the elephant herd is expected to grow next year, the zoo is vamping up their outdoor habitat. The former rhino yard in the Asia Quest region is being renovated to provide extra room for the elephants. The project will be completed by the end of October. 

The new habitat will provide an additional 3,600 square feet, a modified pool, enrichment panels, hay nets, automatic hay release feeders, a new feeding area and “enhanced guest viewing opportunities,” the zoo said.