Portland, United States - February 08, 2025 In a heartwarming scene at the Oregon Zoo’s Elephant Lands, Rose-Tu introduced her newborn calf to the herd, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the family. On Wednesday afternoon, the 42-year-old matriarch, Shine, met the calf after Rose-Tu’s smooth 20-month pregnancy and the birth of the healthy, strong female on February 1. The trio shared a tender moment, trumpeting and touching trunks before enjoying a snack of hay and milk. “Each new member is important to the herd,” said Steve Lefave, who oversees the zoo’s elephant program. “Shine will be an aunt and mentor to this baby, and it’s wonderful to see them bonding already.” With all elephants playing a role in the calf’s care, the zoo staff is excited to witness the growth of this new family dynamic. The calf is expected to meet the rest of the herd in the coming weeks as they continue their bond. While the zoo waits to conduct the first check-up, early signs indicate that Rose-Tu’s nurturing and protective nature is ensuring a strong bond with her calf.