ST. LOUIS (April 22, 2025) — Asian elephant calf Jet is expected to be on view in the public habitats at the Saint Louis Zoo for the first time today (April 22, 2025.)
Five-month-old Jet will now be making frequent appearances in the habitats in the River’s Edge area of the Zoo. The Zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. this spring, but there is no set schedule for when Jet will spend time in the public habitat. Riders on the Emerson Zooline Railroad will occasionally still spot Jet in a behind-the-scenes elephant area, The Staenberg Group Elephant Woods.
Jet was born Nov. 23, 2024, becoming the first Asian elephant calf born through artificial insemination at the Saint Louis Zoo. His parents are first-time mom Jade and father Jake, a resident of Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance.
In his first months of life, Jet has bonded with his mother and one of the older female members of the herd Sri. The Animal Care team has gradually introduced him to new areas and experiences to aid his development and prepare him for his public debut.
“Jet is a curious young elephant. He loves to run around, play in the dirt, and climb over logs,” said Katie Pilgram-Kloppe, Zoological Manager of River’s Edge at the Saint Louis Zoo. “He is always eager to work with his training team to learn behaviors that help us to make sure he is staying healthy-- like opening his mouth to allow us to look at his teeth and gums."
Jet is the first member of a fourth generation of the Zoo's elephant family. Keepers chose his name as a nod to the Zoo's elephant family history of gemstone names, including his mother Jade and great grandparents Onyx and Pearl.
Jet has grown more than 300 lbs. since birth, recently tipping the scale at 578 lbs. For more information, visit stlzoo.org/babyelephant.
Species Survival Plan
Jet was born through an artificial insemination recommended the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Asian Elephant Species Survival Plan (SSP), a national cooperative breeding and management program responsible for maintaining a genetically healthy and sustainable population of Asian elephants in North American zoos. The SSP includes recommendations for assisted reproduction techniques like artificial insemination that can benefit the population, even while animals do not reside together.
The Saint Louis Zoo is home to eight Asian elephants that are part of a multigenerational family. The Zoo has long been deeply involved in Asian elephant program leadership, conservation and research in zoos, and has celebrated seven Asian elephant births since 1992. The North American population of Asian elephants in zoos acts as an assurance population for their wild counterparts to help ensure the future of this endangered species.
Asian Elephant Conservation
Asian elephants are at risk of extinction due to habitat loss and poaching. Less than 50,000 members of the species remain in the wild today. The Saint Louis Zoo is committed to conserving this endangered species. The Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Institute Center for Asian Elephant Conservation supports the welfare and conservation of Asian elephants in Sumatra and other Asian countries.
Saint Louis Zoo
Home to 12,000 animals, representing nearly 450 species, the Saint Louis Zoo is recognized worldwide for its innovative approaches to animal care and management, wildlife conservation, research and education. One of the few free zoos in the nation, the Saint Louis Zoo is the most visited attraction in the region. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the Saint Louis Zoo is part of an elite group of institutions that meet the highest standards in animal care as well as provide fun, safe and educational family experiences. The Saint Louis Zoo and other AZA-accredited institutions collectively dedicate millions of dollars annually to support scientific research, conservation and education programs. For more information, visit stlzoo.org.
