African elephant born at Pittsburgh Zoo’s International Conservation Center in ‘guarded condition’

SOMERSET, Pa. — An African elephant calf that was born in July at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium’s International Conservation Center in Somerset is in “guarded condition”, zoo officials announced Wednesday.

The female elephant has developed several serious medical conditions, among them insufficient weight gain, that is putting her overall health at risk, Zoo officials said.

>>RELATED HEADLINE: African elephant born at Pittsburgh Zoo’s International Conservation Center

The calf, born July 18, is currrently nursing from her mother. Both of them are getting supervised, round-the-clock care from staff and experts.

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Over the weekend, the calf received some treaments and responded positively, but her overall health remains at a critical stage, zoo officials said.

The calf is the first for elephant Sukuri. The pregnancy was a result of natural breeding with resident bull Jackson.

The baby and her mother are being cared for at the International Conservation Center.

What you need to know: Elephants (NCD)