This year has had its (very) fair share of challenges, but one bright spot in 2020 was the birth of Reid Park Zoo’s baby elephant Mapenzi. I was able to write about Penzi’s mom Semba when she was still pregnant — as Tucsonans were anxiously awaiting the calf’s arrival.
— Gloria Knott
An elephant’s pregnancy is about two years long. The staff at Reid Park Zoo found out Semba was pregnant about four months in. Also pictured is elephant care professional Shelby Maerling.
Ann Forsberg-Doyle, a volunteer docent at Reid Park Zoo, holds a pair of binoculars up to her eyes.
“She’s found more grass,” the docent of 12 years says, as she watches 30-year-old elephant Semba. “That girl loves to eat.”
Semba is currently pregnant and expected to give birth any day now. The baby will join Semba, 30-year-old father Mabu, 29-year-old aunt Langile, 9-year-old brother Sundzu and 5-year-old sister Nandi.
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“The whole elephant team is the most excited to share this baby with the community,” says elephant supervisor Cassie Dodds. “With everything going on in the world, we want this baby elephant to bring encouragement and hope to people.”
Nandi was the first elephant born in Arizona, instantly stealing the hearts of Tucsonans. She’s known to be more high-spirited, director of zoo operations Sue Tygielski says, so keepers aren’t quite sure what kind of big sister she’ll be.
Contact reporter Gloria Knott at gknott@tucson.com or 573-4235. On Twitter: @gloriaeknott
Gloria Knott
#ThisIsTucson Editor
