A Giant Leap for Conservation: Fort Worth Zoo Welcomes a Precious New Life

A wave of excitement and joy is sweeping through the Fort Worth Zoo as they proudly announce the arrival of a precious new member to their elephant herd! On Wednesday, July 10, a healthy 330-pound female Asian elephant calf was born, bringing immeasurable hope and delight to animal lovers and conservationists alike.

This adorable newcomer, affectionately named Boon-Lott (meaning "destiny" in Thai), is already capturing hearts with her robust energy and charming demeanor.

Born to 32-year-old Belle and 33-year-old Romeo, Boon-Lott stands an impressive 36 inches tall, a magnificent start for a future giant.

Boon-Lott's birth marks a significant milestone for the Fort Worth Zoo, being Belle's sixth calf and the tenth Asian elephant calf born at the institution. Each birth is a testament to the zoo's unwavering commitment to the conservation of this magnificent, yet endangered, species.

Asian elephants face severe threats in the wild, including habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching, making every successful birth in accredited zoos crucial for their survival.

For now, Belle and Boon-Lott are spending vital time bonding behind the scenes in their spacious Elephant Springs habitat.

This private period allows the mother and calf to establish a strong bond and ensures the calf's healthy development in a calm, undisturbed environment. Zoo officials anticipate that this dynamic duo will soon make their public debut, allowing visitors to witness the incredible bond and playful antics of the newest, most endearing resident.

The Fort Worth Zoo actively participates in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) for Asian elephants.

The SSP is a cooperatively managed program designed to maintain a healthy, genetically diverse, and demographically stable population of endangered species, like Asian elephants, in accredited zoos and aquariums. Boon-Lott's arrival is a direct result of these vital conservation efforts, contributing valuable genetics to the North American population and providing a beacon of hope for the species' future.

As we eagerly await Boon-Lott's public appearance, her birth serves as a powerful reminder of the beauty and fragility of our planet's wildlife.

It reinforces the importance of zoos as centers for conservation, education, and research, inspiring visitors to become advocates for these incredible animals. Join the Fort Worth Zoo in celebrating this "destined" little elephant, and let her story ignite a passion for protecting all endangered species.