Taronga Western Plains Zoo is devastated by the stillbirth of an Asian Elephant calf.

Our experienced keepers had been watching expectant mother Anjalee around the clock and observed that after initial signs of labour, the birth did not progress as expected. Sadly, despite the best efforts of the Zoo’s keeping and veterinary teams, Anjalee gave birth to a stillborn calf late on Thursday.

Anjalee and the female herd are doing well, with Thong Dee, Porntip and Kanlaya staying close to her side.

Born at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage in Sri Lanka in 2006, Anjalee moved to Auckland Zoo in 2015 before relocating to Taronga Western Plains Zoo in March 2022.

After her arrival she was given time to build close relationships with the other members of the female herd, who would provide vital support to Anjalee as a first-time mother. We are very proud of the way the herd have been there for Anjalee throughout the whole experience and continue to be by her side after her tragic loss.

Throughout her pregnancy every effort was made to prepare Anjalee for this birth, keeping her in good health, monitoring her blood and training to cooperate for important procedures such as ultrasound. Our team remains committed to her health and recovery.

This loss is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced in our conservation work, underscoring the critical need for ongoing conservation efforts. We remain dedicated to our mission to protect and preserve this endangered species.

Asian Elephants are classified as endangered, with estimates suggesting about 40,000 remain in the wild. Their main threats include poaching, illegal trade, habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as human-elephant conflict.

Our thoughts are with our passionate keepers and veterinary team at this time. Thank you for your understanding and support.