The Fort Worth Zoo is celebrating a historic milestone with the birth of a female Asian elephant calf — the first born at the Zoo since 2013. Arriving in the early hours of August 18, 2025, the healthy calf stood at 36 inches tall and weighed in at 250 pounds at birth.
This special little one was born to Bluebonnet, the Zoo’s first-ever elephant calf, who was born at the Fort Worth Zoo in 1998. Her father is Romeo, making the new calf a full sibling to 4-year-old Brazos. She also joins a rare four-generation elephant family, with Rasha, her great-grandmother, serving as the herd’s matriarch.
👉 Plan your visit to see her and the rest of the herd at the Fort Worth Zoo.
A Healthy Beginning
The new arrival wasted no time proving her strength. She was standing within six minutes, nursing within two hours, and already showing control of her trunk — all promising signs of a strong calf.
Throughout her pregnancy, Bluebonnet received extensive veterinary care, including weekly blood tests, physical exams, and sonograms. Zoo staff were on hand during delivery to ensure both mom and baby received the best care possible.
Since her birth, the calf has been quietly bonding with her mother behind the scenes, practicing important skills like swimming and getting acquainted with the rest of the herd. With successful introductions complete, she is now on exhibit at Elephant Springs daily from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., weather permitting.
Elephant Conservation at the Fort Worth Zoo
The Zoo has a long-standing commitment to elephant conservation. When Bluebonnet was born in 1998, the Zoo also established the International Elephant Foundation (IEF), a global nonprofit dedicated to protecting elephants worldwide.
Elephant Springs, which opened in 2021, was designed with growing families in mind. It features multiple green spaces, watering holes, and a large barn to support the herd’s needs. Over the years, the Zoo has celebrated six elephant calf births, making it a leader in Asian elephant breeding programs.
“With fewer than 40,000 Asian elephants left in the wild, each calf represents hope for the future of this endangered species,” said Ramona Bass, chairman of the Fort Worth Zoo Board of Directors.
Help Name the Baby Elephant
As part of tradition, the newest calf will receive a Texas-inspired name. Three wildflower-themed options are currently up for vote:
- Lady Bird (“Birdie”) – Honoring Lady Bird Johnson, Texas’ beloved First Lady who championed wildflower conservation.
- Yellow Rose (“Rosie”) – Inspired by the legend and song, “The Yellow Rose of Texas.”
- Black-eyed Susan (“Susie”) – A cheerful wildflower native to Texas, symbolizing joy and resilience.
Voting is open through Monday, October 6, 2025, on the Fort Worth Zoo’s website. The winning name will be announced on Tuesday, October 7, across the Zoo’s website and social media channels.
Visit the New Calf at Elephant Springs
Guests can now see the new elephant calf exploring her habitat at Elephant Springs. With a rich legacy of elephant conservation and a growing multi-generational herd, the Fort Worth Zoo continues to inspire visitors while contributing to global efforts to protect this endangered species.
👉 Learn more and plan your visit at the Fort Worth Zoo.
