Rozie, an Asian elephant at the ABQ BioPark, experienced a stillbirth early Tuesday morning after a normal pregnancy. The birth was closely monitored by her care and veterinary teams. Rozie is currently stable and under observation.
The gestation period for Asian elephants ranges from 18 to 22 months. Rozie's delivery window began in mid-October, with staff monitoring her around the clock. Daily ultrasounds and recent blood tests suggested that the birth was imminent and without complications.
"Asiatic elephants are endangered, so every elephant birth is important," stated Amber Alink, ABQ BioPark Curator of Elephants and Primates. "We know how much our community cares about our herd and thank you for your compassion, understanding, and support as we care for Rozie and the herd as they, too, process this unexpected loss."
Rozie began labor signs around 9 p.m. Monday evening while staff observed remotely to maintain a natural environment. The calf was delivered at 12:35 a.m., but showed no signs of life. Rozie attempted to awaken the calf by gently nudging it with her feet and trunk while Alice, her mother, stood nearby.
Staff entered the birthing barn after determining that the calf was not alive. A necropsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death; however, results may take weeks and could remain inconclusive.
Rozie is recovering with close supervision from her care team and staying near Alice as she processes what appears to be grief. She continues to eat and drink normally while receiving her favorite treats.
Asian elephants face endangerment due to habitat loss and fragmentation. This incident represents a significant loss not only for ABQ BioPark but also for conservation efforts worldwide.
The BioPark collaborates with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Asian Elephant SAFE program and is recognized as an Elephant Breeding Facility by the AZA Elephant Species Survival Plan.
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