The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is getting ready for another major win for the endangered Asian elephant population: Kairavi, known as Kai, is pregnant, and her first calf is expected in June 2027.
For zoo staff and local families who have already watched the herd grow, the announcement for their herd is an uplifting sign for a species that requires careful protection.
What's happening?
If the pregnancy continues as expected, KOKH reports that Kai will give birth in June 2027. The baby would be her first, and the first calf for Kai and Asian elephant Kandula together.
That arrival would make the June 2027 calf the seventh elephant born in the zoo's history, KOKH reported. The station said the zoo celebrated the births of Xerxes, born in May 2025, and a female calf on June 26, 2026.
The zoo's chief animal program officer, Dr. Jennifer D'Agostino, said guests responded to the announcement with plenty of excitement.
"The elephant caretakers had a lot of fun sharing the announcement about Kai during Saturday's special presentation and the news was received with lots of cheering and enthusiasm from our guests," she said.
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KOKH reported that Kai is roughly halfway through her 22-month gestation, and the zoo's veterinary and elephant care teams will continue monitoring her.
Why does it matter?
For the zoo, another calf would add to a herd that spans multiple generations, an especially notable development for an endangered species.
D'Agostino emphasized that importance in the zoo's announcement.
"This growth is incredibly important for our multigenerational herd and it will be exciting to watch the dynamics between the adults and youngsters," she said.
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She added that "these interactions are enriching for the elephants at every age, contributing to their overall wellbeing and building strong social bonds."
What's being done?
As Kai moves through the second half of her pregnancy, the Oklahoma City Zoo's veterinary staff and elephant care team will keep overseeing her. The zoo is also maintaining the care needed to support a healthy pregnancy and birth.
The zoo is also giving people a look at the journey through presentations and updates, building excitement as her due date approaches and the herd prepares to welcome its newest member.
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