Louisville Zoo shares pregnant elephant's ultrasound

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The Louisville Zoo gives an update on Mikki the elephant's pregnancy. Staff members share what it takes to take care of Mikki and whether they plan on documenting her labor.

From April the Giraffe's bundle to Fiona the hippo. Now, the Louisville Zoo has an announcement of its own. "It's so exciting that we're going to have a little baby elephant coming to the zoo again," says visitor Denise Clark.

An ultrasound in March confirmed 33-year-old Mikki is pregnant. "Every pregnancy and elephant birth is super important because there's less than 200 African elephants in zoological parks throughout North America," says Dr. Zoli Gyimesi, Senior Staff Veterinarian.

She's now about halfway through her 20 to 22 month pregnancy.

Days consist of regular exercise like walking and leg lifts and a strict diet of hay and grass. "Our goal is to not let her gain more than 500 pounds during the course of her pregnancy. So, we have a built-in scale in her elephant barn and we monitor her weight regularly to make sure she's on track. In addition, we have a fitness program," Dr. Gyimesi said.

Staff does periodic ultrasounds like one earlier this week that drew all ages and sizes. "They make up this world just like we do and it's important that other kids get the wonder of seeing a new born calf," Clark said.

The ultrasound was similar to the human version, but it involved water. "You see parts of a foot or rib cage or spine, moving about in utero, it's really exciting," Dr. Gyimesi said. 

Mikki's baby is currently about the size of a watermelon.

"There's nothing better for her welfare and her well-being than to birth and raise a calf. It's the most natural and enriching life experience that an elephant cow can experience," Dr. Gyimesi said. 

As for letting the public in on the birth like Animal Adventure Park did with April, not a chance. It did cross their mind. "For about a second," Dr. Gyimesi said.

By next summer, the Louisville Zoo will have a 250 pound brand new addition. "We're excited, we think the local Louisvillians are excited and we'd like to think that she's getting excited too."

With any new baby boy or girl, the anticipation and planning is all part of the fun. "We love that hope, that beginning, that something better is coming along and something is going to renew. It's a renewing of hope every time a new little one is born," Clark said.

Staff won't be able to tell if Mikki is having a boy or girl until birth. No names are picked out yet, but a naming contest could be in the works.

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