Vienna Zoo has welcomed its first naturally conceived elephant calf in more than two decades, marking a major success for its conservation efforts.

Footage shows the mother jumbo releasing fluid, signalling the onset of labour in the early hours of August 19 at Schonbrunn Zoo.

Zoo Director Dr. Stephan Hering-Hagenbeck said: 'We have had some very exciting hours. At exactly 4:53 am, a little bull elephant was born. We are extremely happy.'

The birth followed a carefully planned process. In May 2023, a bull elephant was brought to Schonbrunn as part of the European Endangered Species Programme.

The enclosure was specially adapted for the birth, and the team meticulously prepared for every detail.

Dr Hering-Hagenbeck added: '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.'

This is the fourth calf for the elephant cow. Despite her experience, the team remained on high alert throughout the labour.

Officials said the calf appeared healthy from the start, weighing over 100 kilograms.

The doctor said: 'Within ten minutes, it was already standing on its feet. That's vital in the wild, because a calf has many enemies.'

The newborn drank quickly, and the placenta was delivered smoothly. Scientists were on hand immediately to collect stem cells from the placenta and umbilical cord for research purposes.

African elephants are among the world's most endangered mammals, with populations declining by at least 60 per cent over the past 50 years due to habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching.

Schonbrunn Zoo works closely with the organisation Save the Elephants to support conservation efforts and protect the species in the wild.