The Brave Baby Elephant Takes His First Swim: An Adorable Aquatic Adventure
Six-month-old Asian elephant calf, Man Jai, captured everyone’s hearts as he fearlessly dove into the deep pool at Melbourne Zoo. Accompanied by his older sister, Mali, Man Jai ventured into the 4.5-meter pool without hesitation, unaffected by the chilly water. From an early age, it was clear that Man Jai had a natural affinity for swimming, and his excitement was palpable as he graduated from the shallower paddling pool to this new aquatic adventure.
Despite the freezing temperatures, these elephants seem undeterred from enjoying a swim, even during the winter months. Previous CCTV footage from Melbourne Zoo captured them swimming during the night in the past winter.
Dominic Moss, the manager of the elephant enclosure at Melbourne Zoo, shared that visitors can now expect to witness Man Jai’s swimming endeavors on most days.
Man Jai is the fourth elephant calf to be born at the zoo, following in the footsteps of his sister, Mali, who holds the distinction of being the first-ever elephant calf and the first female calf born in Australia.
While Man Jai still relies on his mother, Dokkoon, for nourishment through her milk, he has also begun to show interest in the food consumed by the other elephants.
On Monday, the adorable baby elephant took his first dive into the 4.5-meter pool, accompanied by his loving sister, Mali. Previously off-limits to the calf, it was a significant milestone for Man Jai.
Together with their mother, Dokkoon, and the three other adult females in the Trail of the Elephants enclosure, Man Jai and Mali enjoyed their swimming session at Melbourne Zoo.
Melbourne Zoo’s breeding program, which is part of the regional endangered species breeding program for Asian Elephants, began in 2006 when three young females arrived from Thailand at Avalon Airport.
Keepers noticed Man Jai’s keen interest in swimming just days after he was born, although he had only been allowed to use the elephant paddling pool until now.
The freezing temperatures did not deter Man Jai and Mali, as elephants are known for their ability to swim regardless of the climate.
As the fourth elephant calf born at the zoo, Man Jai still relies on his mother, Dokkoon’s milk, for his nutritional needs.
Mali is already displaying a strong maternal instinct and has been helping to look after her rapidly growing baby brother.
According to Dominic Moss, visitors can now anticipate seeing Man Jai swimming on most days as he continues to embrace his newfound aquatic adventures.
