Kalina

Age:  One year+
Born:  July 20, 2011
Weight: 892 as of August 2012
Mother:  Kubwa
Sire:  Jackson (Pittsburgh Zoo)

Kubwa made history again in 2011, giving birth to her third calf via artificial insemination.  The little female, later named Kalina (love, beautiful, flower), weighed 238 lbs. at birth.  Kalina is a very lively calf, loves playing in the water, and loves exploring and meeting new people.  At one year old, Kalina is definitely enjoying solid foods, with hay and sweet potatoes being her favorites.  She particularly likes having "auntie" Tombi stand guard while she plays in the big pool with the waterfall.  She explores her habitat a lot and is becoming more independent from mom Kubwa, although mom still keeps a close eye on Kalina as she goes about her explorations.

She is fast friends with her slightly older herd mate, Zahara, who is learning valuable lessons in mothering from both Kubwa and from Ivory with her new calf, Nyah, born in 2012.  Kubwa has been an excellent mother to all her calves.  She is very calm, but watchful as this curious young elephant goes about the business of figuring out just what life is all about.

Photo by Mark Kaser