(Photo Provide by Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium)

(Pittsburgh) (October 8, 2021) – Today the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium announced that the female  African elephant calf born at the Pittsburgh Zoo’s International Conservation Center (ICC) in Somerset  County this summer remains in guarded condition.  
Born July 18, 2021 to new mother Sukuri, the calf continues to be active and bright between bouts of  nursing with mom and resting. She has been receiving progressive care 24 hours a day to help overcome  several ailments, and while her overall health condition remains at a pivotal stage, the Animal Care team  remains vigilant and optimistic.  
“She had a good week and mom is doing a fantastic job. We are encouraged by the current trends, however she remains in guarded condition as we continue to closely monitor her health and behavior,”  says Dr. Joe Gaspard, Director of Animal Health, Science, and Conservation for the Zoo, “Elephant  specialists from around the country are working closely to assist our team’s efforts as the Zoo is using  every resource available to aid in the calf’s recovery. “ 
As a resident of our International Conservation Center, the calf is not viewable by the general public.  Social media messages of support have been shared with our veterinary and caregiving teams, and the  Zoo continues to appreciate the community’s well wishes as the team focuses on her well-being.