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Elephant born at San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-03-14 10:13

ESCONDIDO, Calif. – An African elephant has been born at the San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park.

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Zoo spokeswoman Yadira Galindo says the male calf born early Friday is doing great and is nursing frequently from his mother, Umngani (oom-GAH'-nee).

The calf, as yet unnamed, was born with 2-year-old big sister, Khosi (KOH'-see) nearby.

The park's African herd has produced six calves since it arrived from Swaziland in 2003. The zoo says five have survived.

The birth comes after the death last month of the park's oldest elephant, Sunita, who had lived there since 1974. She was euthanized after more than a year of failing health. She was believed to be at least 60 years old.