Zeros

Asian Elephants: Conservation Efforts and the Columbus Zoo's New Arrival The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium welcomed a significant addition this summer when Sundara, known as Sunny , gave birth to a healthy female calf on July 23, weighing 215 pounds after a 22-month pregnancy. The birth represents more than just a joyful moment for visitors planning autumn zoo trips—it marks a crucial step forward in conservation efforts for one of the world's most endangered large mammals. A Species in Crisis Asian elephants face a dire situation in the wild. Current estimates indicate fewer than 50,000 Asian elephants remain in their natural habitats, representing a dramatic decline from approximately 100,000 animals in the early 1900s. This species now occupies only about five percent of its original range, with populations continuing to decrease annually. The largest concentration of wild Asian elephants lives in India , which houses more than 50% of the remaining population. Ot...