Albuquerque BioPark mourns as elephant gives birth to stillborn calf

Rozie the Asian elephant, who lives at the Albuquerque BioPark and is part of an endangered species of elephant, gave birth to a stillborn calf early Tuesday morning.

The death of Rozie’s calf was a shock to BioPark workers in charge of Rozie. They said she had a normal and healthy pregnancy term. Rozie’s delivery window began in mid-October after an 18- to 22-month gestation period, and volunteers and staff watched her full time during that time. Routine exams, ultrasounds and recent blood work indicated no issues to the pregnancy.

On Monday at around 9 p.m., Rozie began showing signs of labor. At 12:35 a.m. Tuesday, the calf was delivered but showed no sign of movement. Staff reported that Rozie tried repeatedly to awaken the calf while Rozie’s elephant mother Alice stood nearby.

Veterinary staff decided to pull Alice and Rozie away from the calf but ultimately confirmed the calf’s death. A necropsy will be conducted, though results will take several weeks and may not reveal an explanation to the death of the calf.

“Asian elephants are endangered, so every elephant birth is important,” said Amber Alink, ABQ BioPark curator of elephants and primates. “We know how much our community cares about our herd and thank you for your compassion, understanding and support as we care for Rozie and the herd as they, too, process this unexpected loss.”

“We’re saddened to share that Rozie, the beloved elephant at the BioPark, went into labor last night and had a stillbirth,” said Mayor Tim Keller on X. “Our hearts are with Rozie, the herd and the caretakers supporting her through this time.”

Rozie is recovering under the watch of BioPark staff and is expected to remain indoors for the next few days.