AN ELEPHANT gave birth to a calf at Sydney's main zoo yesterday, surprising vets and keepers who two days earlier declared it had died in the womb.
• Something to trumpet about: The bull calf was thought to have died in its mother's womb but was up and about yesterday. Pictures: Getty Images
The Asian elephant mother, Porntip, delivered the bull calf early yesterday in what Taronga Park Zoo officials said was "unbelievable good fortune".
"Dedicated keepers reported the amazing news early this morning that the calf had been born and was showing signs of life," said zoo director Cameron Kerr.
On Monday, he said the calf was thought to be dead after the mother had been labouring for six days. He said ultrasound scans showed there was no chance of a successful birth.
Officials said they now believe the calf had been in a coma. They said it had taken its first steps, but it was too early to know if it would thrive.
"When the keepers learned the calf had survived, the looks of disbelief were quite a picture," said elephant manager Gary Miller.
