Mother Elephant Kicks, Bites Calf; He’s Removed, at Risk : SOUTHLAND
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SAN DIEGO — An Asian elephant was born at the San Diego Wild Animal Park today, but it had to be separated from its mother after veterinarians saw the mother kicking and biting at the calf, officials said.
The male calf, named Omar, was born at 3:05 a.m. to Connie, the 17-year-old mother who was pregnant 664 days, said park spokesman Tom Hanscom.
He said the baby and mother appeared to be doing well but that veterinarians and keepers separated the two after the mother attempted to step on the newborn.
Hanscom said although Omar appears to be in good shape, veterinarians are worried that the mother will not accept or care for him.
“Initial maternal care is critical,” Hanscom said. “To the knowledge of Wild Animal Park officials, no elephant has ever been hand-raised from such an early age.”
He said that without the supply of the mother’s milk, the baby might not survive.
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