After a 22-month pregnancy, Phyo Phyo had a female weighing in at a hefty 100 lbs. Currently called Baby K, the new addition’s official name will be announced at a press conference on Tuesday by Flemish Prime Minister Kris Peeters and Mayor of Antwerp Patrick Janssen.
A low amount of progesterone in Phyo Phyo’s blood earlier this week indicated that she was about to give birth. It was announced on national television that the delivery could be followed live on the internet at www.baby-olifant.be. The website has since received around 350,000 hits. At peak moments around 30,000 people were watching.
Zoo staff said the birth went well without complications.
About 20 minutes after the birth, Baby K was able to stand up. However, Phyo Phyo and Yu Yu Yin, the zoo’s oldest elephant, had to step in to protect the baby from its older sister May Tagu after she tried to push it away.
Every Belgian citizen will receive a birth card this week, with the zoo going for a world record in the category “Congratulations at Birth.” The effort is sponsored by the National Post Office and around 4.8 million cards will be sent out.
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