St. Louis Zoo Welcomes Jet: First Male Asian Elephant Born via Artificial Insemination

St. Louis Zoo Welcomes New Asian Elephant Calf Named Jet

The St. Louis Zoo has announced the birth of Jet, a male Asian elephant calf. Jet is the zoo’s eighth Asian elephant and the first to be born via artificial insemination. His birth occurred at 4:30 a.m. on Saturday.

Jet’s mother, Jade, is a 17-year-old Asian elephant at the zoo. His father is Jake, who resides at the Denver Zoo. Jet is significant as he represents the fourth generation of Asian elephants born at the St. Louis Zoo.

According to Tim Their, director of the zoo’s WildCare Institute for Asian Elephant Conservation, both Jet and Jade are doing well and bonding together. The breeding program aims to enhance the genetic diversity of Asian elephants in North American zoos, contributing to the conservation of the endangered species.

Regina Mossotti, Vice President of Animal Care at the St. Louis Zoo, emphasized the importance of breeding and raising calves for animal wellbeing. The dedicated Animal Care team is providing around-the-clock support for Jade and Jet.

Asian elephants face threats like habitat loss and poaching, with fewer than 50,000 remaining in the wild. The St. Louis Zoo actively supports conservation efforts for Asian elephants in Sumatra and other regions.

Jet will remain with his mother in a private space until he grows older and the weather is suitable for outdoor exploration. His family at the zoo includes his grandparents, Rani and Raja, and his great-grandmother, Pearl.

The gestation period for elephants lasts about 22 months, and newborns typically weigh between 250 and 350 pounds. The zoo is excited to welcome Jet into their family of elephants.