WICHITA, Kan. (KAKE) – The Sedgwick County Zoo is welcoming a third African elephant calf to its herd less than two months after the births of its first two calves.
On the Today Show Thursday morning the zoo revealed the new calf is a girl. He name is Asali.
“Asali means “sweet like honey” in Swahili, but at SCZ, it carries a deeper meaning,” the zoo said. “Herd matriarch, Stephanie, is 53 years old and has lived nearly her entire life at SCZ. Born in the wild and brought to the Zoo in 1972, she was named by the animal care team that welcomed her. However, Stephanie had already been given the name “Asali” before she left Africa. Our community grew to know and love Stephanie by her American name, but her African name remained a part of her identity in Zoo records.”
Asali joins Bomani (born April 10) and Kijani (born April 14). Bomani, along with mom Talia and Simunye, were present for the birth. Kijani, his mother Xolani, and other herd members have had the opportunity to see the new arrival, but they are not together in the same space at this time.
“Paternity results can take a while, so we’re still waiting on confirmation of the father for all three calves,” says Muninger. “But chances are good that they are all half-siblings.”
Zoo visitors can see at least one calf in the outdoor habitat daily, unless weather or herd dynamics keep everyone indoors.
In alignment with breeding recommendations from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums African Elephant Species Survival Plan, these additions to the zoo’s herd are a reflection of a commitment to support the health and sustainability of African elephant populations in North America.