Fresno Chaffee Zoo has long been a beloved local treasure, but this summer, it became even more special with the arrival of two adorable elephant calves. The births of mama elephants Nolwazi and Amahle’s calves will not only bring joy to visitors but also mark significant milestones in the zoo’s conservation efforts.
Nolwazi, a 28-year-old African elephant whose name signifies knowledge and wisdom, gave birth to her calf on August 16th. This healthy baby boy is already charming everyone with his playful antics. “This is a historic moment for the zoo,” said CEO and Zoo Director Jon Forrest Dohlin. “We could not be more excited for our teams here at the zoo and the entire Central Valley community, as this is the first elephant calf born in the zoo’s 95-year history.”
Just a few days later, on August 26th, Amahle, another member of the zoo’s elephant herd whose name means “beautiful one,” welcomed her own male calf into the world. Both births are a testament to Fresno Chaffee Zoo’s commitment to conservation and the well-being of its animals. African elephants face numerous threats in the wild, from habitat loss to poaching, making these births incredibly important for the species.
The Fresno Chaffee Zoo has always offered an incredible experience for visitors, but the addition of these two calves makes it an even more exciting destination. Both moms and calves are doing well and will continue to be monitored behind the scenes until an official announcement is made about when they will be out on the savanna for the public to see. Be sure to follow the zoo’s social media for updates.
Watching these calves grow and interact with their mothers and the rest of the herd will provide a unique opportunity for guests to connect with wildlife in a profound way. It’s not every day that you get to witness the early days of an elephant’s life, and having this experience right here in Fresno is truly special.
Whether you’re a longtime zoo member or planning your first visit, now is the perfect time to support the zoo’s efforts by contributing to their matching gift program, which funds the essential babyproofing of the savanna exhibit in preparation for the calves’ public debut. You can donate to the program on the zoo’s website, fresnochaffeezoo.org. By supporting these efforts, you’ll be playing a part in ensuring these remarkable animals continue to thrive.
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