Reid Park Zoo in Tucson expecting new baby elephant in spring 2024

Reid Park Zoo in Tucson is expecting a new member of the herd in Spring 2024. Semba, the park's African elephant matriarch, is pregnant with her fifth calf.

After coming over from the San Diego Zoo's Safari Park in 2012 for the then-newly minted Expedition Tanzania at Reid Park, 32-year-old Semba began making the seven-acre habitat her own, giving birth to Nandi, the first elephant born at the Zoo, in 2014.

In 2020, Semba welcomed Penzi, her youngest calf, who just turned three on April 6.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how Penzi responds to her new role as a big sister,” said Cassie Dodds, elephant care supervisor, in a release Thursday. “Nandi immediately took on a nurturing role when Penzi was born and this new arrival will give Penzi an opportunity to grow her skills caring for a younger calf.”

When will the new baby elephant be born?

Reid Park said Semba is about a little over halfway through her pregnancy, a gestational period that usually takes around 22 to 24 months. The naming conversation for Semba's new baby boy or girl will begin when they are born next year.

Mabu, father to Semba's calves, was moved from the park in 2022 to mimic the natural flow of male elephants moving between herds for social and breeding purposes in nature. He currently lives at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo in California.

As for Mama Semba, she is receiving top-notch care through her journey, getting regular weight checks, vitamin and mineral intakes as well as blood work, as is the rest of the herd, the zoo said.

“Semba is a great mother, and it has been incredible to watch the bond between sisters Nandi and Penzi,” said Reid Park Zoo president and CEO Nancy Kluge in the release. “We’re excited for the herd to gain a member and for Semba’s daughters to take on new roles as they play and grow with this new addition to the family.”

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Tucson's Reid Park Zoo expecting a new baby elephant