Vienna, Austria - August 20, 2025 Schönbrunn Zoo celebrated a remarkable event in the early hours of the morning. “We have had some very exciting hours. At exactly 4:53 a.m., a little bull elephant was born. We are extremely happy,” said Zoo Director Dr. Stephan Hering-Hagenbeck. This is the first calf to be conceived naturally at the zoo in more than 20 years. The birth follows a carefully prepared process. In May 2023, a bull was brought to Schönbrunn as part of the European Endangered Species Program. The enclosure was adapted for the birth, and the team meticulously prepared for every detail. “First and foremost, I am very proud of our team, who did a fantastic job, and of course also of the 33-year-old, experienced elephant cow, who mastered the birth with ease,” added Hering-Hagenbeck. This is the fourth calf for the elephant cow. Despite her experience, the team remained vigilant throughout the birth. The calf appeared healthy from the start, weighing over 100 kilograms. “Within ten minutes, it was already standing on its feet. That’s vital in the wild, because a calf has many enemies,” said Hering-Hagenbeck. The newborn drank quickly, and the placenta was delivered smoothly. Scientists were immediately on hand to collect stem cells from the placenta and umbilical cord for research. The rear part of the outdoor enclosure was prepared for safety, with wooden boards and sand padding. Other elephants in the herd were able to witness the birth, strengthening social bonds. “A birth is a shared experience that bonds elephants together. Our animals do not come from a naturally formed family unit like in the wild. This makes it all the more important that such an event strengthens the social structure,” explained the director. The calf is genetically important for the zoo population. African elephants are among the world’s most endangered mammals, with populations declining by at least 60 percent over the past 50 years due to habitat loss, human-animal conflict, and poaching. Schönbrunn Zoo works with “Save the Elephants” to protect these majestic animals in the wild.