Ajabu enjoys a mud wallow session./Chandra Brooks
It was 7 a.m. on Saturday, May 15, 2016 – the Zoo was just waking up and keepers were filing in, when two elephant keepers shook the barn with squeals of joy as they discovered a little grey bouncing baby boy. Just hours before, elephant Mlilo had delivered a 175-pound, 3-foot-tall calf to our somewhat surprise.
The baby, already standing, nursing and totally unfazed, would be the first African elephant calf born in a U.S. AZA-accredited Zoo in more than two years.
The keepers quickly executed their, “Surprise! A baby’s been born!” procedures to ensure the vet and animal care teams were immediately aware of the newborn.
Baby Ajabu at just three days old.
But, the one who knew exactly what she was doing, Mlilo, took it all in stride. She’d been growing this baby for nearly two years, and her maternal instincts were alive and kicked in right on cue. She was born for this.
Two months prior, Mlilo arrived aboard a chartered 747 jet from drought-stricken Swaziland, Africa, as part of an intricate airlift to save her and 16 other elephants from being culled. This, in turn, saved her AND her beautiful baby boy.
Our animal experts suspected Mlilo was pregnant, but all hormone testing came back inconclusive. Regardless, we were very careful with Mlilo’s day-to-day care, and were able to create the positive conditions surrounding Ajabu’s successful birth.
Estimated to be 15 years old, Mlilo arrived here thin and underweight, but better nutrition in just the few weeks leading up to her delivery helped her gain 300 crucial pounds. And over the course of the next five months, we allowed mom and baby much time to bond privately, and grow together, while we worked to “baby-proof” the Giants of the Savanna habitat.
As we celebrate this precious baby’s first birthday, we look back on the moments that truly take our breath away. And if you weren’t a fan already, we’re certain that over the past year, this rambunctious boy has made you fall in love with his vulnerable species.
We insist you binge watch:
- Captured on the barn cameras, Ajabu’s birth; mom’s gentle nudge encouraging baby to stand; his first steps; his first time nursing, will forever remain one of those “pinch us, we’re dreaming” moments. (And yes, utter disbelief caused much pinching.)
- That time newborn Ajabu wouldn’t let mom sleep, and Mlilo obliged with his antics Every. Single. Time. #MomGoals
- When baby Ajabu took his first dip in a kiddie pool and we thought there was nothing cuter. (We were quickly proven wrong. See No. 4.)
- Baby boy received his first ball and played so hard that food and water were the only things that could tear him away. Priorities.
- Another major first, the day Mlilo and Ajabu explored their “baby-proofed” habitat This was an unforgettable moment.
- Then seeing it all come full circle as baby Ajabu and Mlilo ventured into our largest habitat with other herd members.
Hmm, can you still call a 4-foot-tall, 800-pound, one-year-old elephant a “baby”? Actually, don’t answer. He’s our baby and always will be.
Ajabu, whose African name means “wonder,” “amazing” and “extraordinary” is a remarkable ambassador for his troubled species, inspiring guests daily to help find answers to the grave crisis elephants face in Africa. He represents so much.
He’s here because we took a chance, a major one. And the way children light up when they see his tiny trunk, his perfect ears, and hear his little trumpets – it’s unexplainable. Ajabu plays such a key role in inspiring our next generation of wildlife warriors to save species from extinction and ensure we never know a world without the majestic, powerful African elephant.
Happy first birthday to our baby boy Ajabu. You mean more to us than you will ever know.
And a thank you to Mlilo. You’re the kind of protective, playful, and present mother all moms wish they could be. Here’s to a very Happy Mother’s Day, mama Mlilo.
I was already a fan, but my love grows everytime i see him! This precious boy would not be alive today if it had not been for the zoo saving his mama!
he is so cute
Watching the footage of Ajabu grow has been an amazing experience for my friends, my students and myself. Of course the most unbelievable part is the fact that our son, Jared Moeller, gets to spend his work days with all Dallas Zoo’s elephants. He is living his dream and you have made it come true. Thanks to all who share his passion for animals everywhere and making their lives safer. Jackie and Brian Moeller
I love elephants and strongly support the need for their conservation. I’m proud of the Dallas Zoo’s efforts to help in all animal conservation efforts. I’m soon to become a Simmons Base Camp Brand Ambassador for the Elephants so I will get the chance to share knowledge about the species and what we can do to preserve it. Become a zoo member and come visit me at the zoo on Sundays or on any day. We’re open every day but Christmas!
Awww sweet Ajabu! I’ve been a volunteer at Simmons Base Camp for about a year now and am full of Ellie glee every time I see the herd, but especially Ajabu who never disappoints. This last Sunday when it was mother’s day, the elephants were having a blast wallowing in the water and mudholes to keep cool. You should have seen the squeals of excitement from kids of all ages watching the elephants roll around and play with each other as they showered each with water and dunked and rolled. And Ajabu was right up in there with mom Mlilo, Amahle and Nowalze. Gypsy and Jenny mostly watched from the sidelines, but it was fun just the same. Don’t miss Ajabu’s baby years. Come to the Dallas Zoo before he grows up!
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