OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — If you've been waiting to see the new elephants at the Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, now is your chance.
The zoo reopened its Elephant Living Quarters on Monday, allowing guests to check out Eugenia and Sonny, two elephant calves who were born last month.
The calves are the first African elephants born at the zoo in its 127-year history and they each weigh about 200 pounds.
Mammal curator Dan Houser says they had safety in mind when the calves were born in January but now they feel comfortable showing the little pachyderms off to the public.
"We were cautious, initially, naturally, we want to make sure we manage stimulations inside the animals, acclimate well to the environment. The calves acclimate and we see good nursing and good weight gains. So they're very healthy at this time, and we think they're ready to actually have visitors," said Houser.
Visitors were also thrilled to meet the little ones on Monday morning.
"I'm just thankful to the zoo for opening this up and having the little guys out here. I mean, the adults are majestic and beautiful as well, but to see the little ones it's really cool," said one zoo guest.
"They're just incredible, it's so good to see them," another visitor to the zoo said.
There are now a total of eight elephants in the herd and guests need reservations to visit. Timed ticketing for 15-minute slots will be available between 10:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. each day.
We had a closer look at the elephants before the living quarters reopened on Monday.
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