San Diego

Omar, the first Asian elephant born at the San Diego Wild Animal Park, made his first public appearance Friday afternoon.

“For about a half an hour he was allowed into a small yard behind his quarters,” park spokesman Tom Hanscom said. “He tested his feet on the dirt. He’s been on concrete since he was born.”

Omar wobbled for a crowd of about 40. Hanscom said he is scheduled to make public appearances Saturday and Sunday, from noon to 3 p.m. Omar will also be visible from the monorail that runs through the park.

Park officials said they separated the 265-pound calf from his mother when he was born early Tuesday morning because she rejected him and tried to kill him.

Hanscom said the park will raise the calf, which is now being bottle-fed on a human infant formula. Although the milk of his mother, Connie, is important to develop the calf’s immune system, Hanscom said park officials are optimistic and are giving Omar better than a 50% chance of surviving.