Elephant labor continues, but vets say mama is making progress
PORTLAND, Ore. – It is day five of Rose-Tu’s labor at the Oregon Zoo and still no baby elephant. Despite the slow progress, veterinarians say the mama elephant’s labor seems to be going smoothly.
“We’re very much anticipating this is going to be very soon,” said Senior Veterinarian Mitch Finnegan in a YouTube video posted by the Oregon Zoo.
Finnegan said Rose-Tu is showing subtle but normal signs of labor, including the baby elephant getting positioned in the birth canal.
On Thursday, veterinarians took ultrasounds and were able to feel the feet of the unborn elephant as they got positioned in the birth canal.
“It’s five days of watching her intently,” Finnegan said. “Makes it seem long and painfully slow.”
“I’ll feel better when the baby is on the ground running around,” he added.
Five days of labor?  Holy cow, you'd have to just shoot me. Hope mom and baby continue to do well, and the little one makes it's entrance into the world SOON (still feeling for Mama and her 5 days of labor).
And that's after carrying the baby for almost 2 years! Can't wait to meet this little bugger, we're all waiting anxiously. Good luck Rose!
Man I thought the kidney stones were bad for 1 day. This story brings a whole new meaning to "Dealing with pain". Good luck to Rose-Tu and the zoo personnel.
OMG! Pregnant 22 months and in labor for five days - and no baby yet. And I thought I had it bad! You go girl!
'All the animal's in the zoo are jumping up-and-down for you!' Unlikely anyone on these threads are old enough to remember that, or even the yellow key us kids carried around to plug in and turn to get the story of each animal. That goes back to the 50's before most of you were even born. Yea, I am a Native Oregonian and a twue minority,,,
Hoping the birth goes very well for mama and the new baby. Do we know what sex it is, based on the ultrasounds?
Why do I feel so nervous? I hope everything goes well for her and the little baby. Can't wait to see him/her!
@QuandoQuandoQuando That is so funny that you say that, I asked this morning when the news was on " any news about the new baby?" and my daughter said OMG Mom you would think you were the Grandma or something.
My daughter loves elephants and since today is her birthday she's hoping for a birth today. Hope it happens.
Wow, in labor 5 days already?  I have a new respect for elephants!Â
Can't wait to see the new big bundle of joy when it arrives!
Everyone will feel better when this baby gets his/her feet on the ground and is running around! Best wishes, Rose-Tu!