Find uplifting stories about heroes, innovations, and solutions
1675 results for "elephant birth"
A 308-pound Asian elephant calf took her first wobbly steps at Washington D.C.'s National Zoo early Monday morning, marking the zoo's first elephant birth since 2000. With fewer than 50,000 Asian elephants left in the wild, every new arrival brings fresh hope for this endangered species.
Thailand just administered contraceptive vaccines to wild elephants for the first time, offering a compassionate solution to prevent human-wildlife conflict. The seven-year birth control shot helps manage growing elephant populations while keeping these endangered animals safe and healthy.
A zoo is celebrating adorable new arrivals that could help save a species. Two tiny Sengi pups, also called elephant shrews, mark the second successful breeding for these rare African mammals.
A baby elephant born at Thailand's Sap Langka Wildlife Sanctuary marks the sixth successful birth for a formerly domesticated mother, proving that rescued elephants can thrive in the wild. Since 2004, the sanctuary's population has grown from six elephants to 71.
After years of militia violence drove elephants away, nearly 500 have returned to Congo's Virunga National Park, transforming the landscape back to its original state. The park also celebrated the rare birth of mountain gorilla twins, one of nine healthy gorilla births this spring.
A French zoo celebrated a remarkable birth this week when an elephant calf weighing 330 pounds arrived after her mother endured a seven-hour labor. The healthy baby girl is already winning hearts at Beauval Zoo and represents hope for her vulnerable species.
After years of steep population drops, Japan's birth rate decline has slowed dramatically. Even better, births among women in their thirties are actually rising for the first time in years.
A rescued baby elephant in Nigeria's Okomu National Park is giving conservationists hope for saving the country's last 200 forest elephants. His recovery story shows what's possible when communities and experts work together.
A 123-kilogram Sumatran elephant calf was born at an Indonesian wildlife park, offering fresh hope for one of the world's most endangered species. The successful birth shows that well-managed conservation programs can help protect animals facing extinction.
A new partnership between Second Harvest of South Georgia and an elephant refuge is recruiting volunteers to deliver fresh fruits and vegetables to three rescued elephants. Each Friday, community members can make a simple 40-mile drive that helps feed elephants who need 200 pounds of food daily.
Julie and Kariba, two African elephants in their 40s who spent decades in captivity, are moving to Europe's first large-scale elephant sanctuary next month. The sprawling Alentejo refuge could eventually house 30 elephants and help reshape a landscape where their ancestors once roamed.
%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Ftf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ffiler_public%2F7d%2Fb0%2F7db0595f-aa0b-45f2-b32c-2782d86edc51%2F20260225-817a4947-04bk-resized.jpg)
The National Zoo's first Asian elephant calf born in nearly 25 years is finally ready to meet visitors. Two-month-old Linh Mai has been learning how to be an elephant from her herd "auntie" after her first-time mom needed extra support.
A new AI system detects elephants near railway tracks before drivers can see them, giving trains time to stop. After 81 elephants died in train collisions over five years, India is using vibration sensors to protect wildlife.
After disappearing in the 1970s due to poaching and habitat loss, wild elephants have crossed back into Uganda's Mount Elgon National Park. At least 60 elephants made the journey from Kenya in 2025, marking a remarkable conservation comeback.
Wildlife SOS veterinarians in India are using acupuncture to treat rescued elephants suffering from chronic pain, paralysis, and digestive issues after years of captivity. The ancient technique is helping elephants walk again and live pain-free when conventional treatments fell short.
A 27-year-old elephant named Veer, severely injured after years of forced labor, just became the first patient in India's new state-of-the-art elephant ambulance. Wildlife SOS is racing to rescue all of India's suffering "begging" elephants by 2030.
A new partnership in Georgia lets volunteers deliver fresh produce to retired elephants at a refuge, turning a simple weekly drive into a chance to care for gentle giants. Second Harvest of South Georgia is teaming up with Elephant Aid International to keep rescued elephants fed and thriving.
%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Ftf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ffiler_public%2F35%2Fe7%2F35e7c699-b467-4f93-bfea-85562f271ae3%2Fbaby-elephant.jpg)
A healthy Asian elephant calf was born at the Smithsonian's National Zoo on February 2, the first of her species born there since 2001. You can help name her by donating to elephant conservation, with four beautiful Vietnamese names to choose from.
After 40 years performing in circuses, Julie the elephant just became the first resident of Europe's first elephant sanctuary. The 40-something African elephant now has 1,000 acres to roam in Portugal after a new law banned wild animal circus acts.
A group of care home residents in their 70s, 80s, and 90s are knitting toy elephants to rescue captive begging elephants in India. Their handmade creations have helped animals across four continents, from oil-spill penguins to injured rhinos.
Showing 20 of 1675