Baby elephant born at Reid Park Zoo

TUCSON, Ariz. — Semba the African elephant at Reid Park Zoo gave birth to her calf Monday morning!

The female calf, which weighed 295 pounds, was born at 3:33 a.m. Monday. She is healthy, standing and nursing.

After 22 months, Semba had a smooth labor without any complications.

"As African elephants continue to face increasing challenges in the wild, each birth contributes to the global population and sustainability of this vulnerable species. Today, the birth of this calf gives us cause for celebration at Reid Park Zoo, and it gives us optimism for the future,” Reid Park said.

The new addition increases the elephant herd to six.

This is the second African elephant calf born at Reid Park Zoo with the first being Nandi, who turns six this year.