This is a press release courtesy of the Oregon Zoo

After a rocky start to life on Aug. 23, the Oregon Zoo's week-old Asian elephant is ready to make his much-anticipated public debut, veterinarians and keepers say. Beginning Saturday, Aug. 30, Rose-Tu and her new calf will be together in the indoor viewing gallery of the zoo's Asian elephant exhibit.

Zoo officials urge visitors who come this weekend to ride MAX Light Rail if possible. They are expecting the zoo parking lot, and perhaps even the shuttle lot, to fill up quickly.

Viewing hours are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., though keepers caution that these hours are subject to change. The well-being of Rose-Tu and her calf are the zoo's top priority, and if it looks like the elephants are bothered by the crowds, the viewing room may be closed. Changes in schedule will be posted as quickly as possible to the zoo's Web site, www.oregonzoo.org. Visitors may also visit the site for updates, photos and videos.

In an effort to accommodate everyone, the zoo will admitting 30 people at a time into the viewing gallery for five minutes each. Visitors who wish to spend more time can get in line again. If the line gets really long, not everyone may be admitted.

No flash photography is permitted in the gallery, and zoo officials have asked that patrons remain quiet during their visit to avoid frightening Rose-Tu and the calf. Interpreters will be on hand to answer questions about the elephants.

"We appreciate everyone's patience and cooperation," said Mike Keele, the zoo's deputy director and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' species survival plan coordinator for Asian elephants. "We've had to take things very slowly to ensure that Rose-Tu and her calf are completely bonded and comfortable. We're much more confident in the strength of the mother-calf bond now, and we'll continue to work on introductions with Shine and Chendra."

"The baby continues to nurse and grow," said Bob Lee, senior elephant keeper. "He is behaving just the way we want him to." And, like most newborns, keepers note, the baby sleeps a lot. Rose-Tu has shown good maternal instincts and remains attentive to her new calf, keepers say.

The young Asian elephant, born Aug. 23 at 3:56 p.m. at the zoo, had a rough start to life when Rose-Tu became confused after giving birth and nearly trampled him. Elephant keepers quickly intervened and were able to prevent the new mother from causing any harm to her baby. Keele believes Rose-Tu became confused because she had never seen a birth before. Until the new baby's arrival, she herself had been the last elephant born at the zoo.

Introduction of the baby to the rest of the herd has been a slow process. On Aug. 26, Rose-Tu and her new calf met Shine and Chendra by means of a "howdy gate," which let them see each other while keeping them physically separated. Keepers said the meeting seemed to have a calming effect on Rose-Tu, who appeared comforted by the presence of her companions in the herd.

The adult elephants all reached their trunks over the top of the gate to make contact with each other, and Shine and Chendra seemed very interested in the new calf once they realized he was there. Keepers plan additional meetings to familiarize the calf with his "aunties," following some modifications to the "howdy gate."

Rose-Tu, born Aug. 31, 1994, turns 14 on Sunday. She is a popular elephant within the herd and with her keepers. She is always looking to tease her herd mates and shares a strong friendship with Chendra, who is nearly the same age. Rose-Tu is the second smallest elephant in the herd, weighing about 7,600 pounds. She conceived in late 2006.

The Oregon Zoo has a renowned breeding program for endangered Asian elephants.  More than 25 elephants have been born at the zoo, beginning with Packy in 1962. The new calf is the first third-generation elephant to be born in the United States.