In a remarkable event at a zoo in central Thailand, caretakers were taken by surprise when a 36-year-old elephant gave birth to twins, defying expectations and garnering attention from wildlife experts worldwide. The birth, which occurred at the Ayutthaya Elephant Palace and Royal Kraal, approximately 50 miles north of Bangkok, was initially anticipated to yield a single calf. However, to the astonishment of zookeepers, a second calf emerged alongside the first.

Twin births among elephants are exceedingly rare, constituting only about 1% of all births in elephant populations, according to experts from the research charity Save the Elephants. Even more unusual is the birth of male-female twins, a phenomenon that adds to the uniqueness of this recent occurrence.

Female elephants have a gestation period of approximately 22 months before giving birth to a single calf, which typically weighs between 200 and 250 pounds (90-113 kg). Remarkably, newborn calves are capable of walking within an hour of being born. They suckle using their mouth, rather than their trunk, and consume about two to three gallons (7.5 to 11 liters) of milk daily.
The surprise of the twin birth was not without challenges. Upon delivering the second calf, the mother elephant, named Chamchuri, displayed signs of distress and confusion. Caretakers swiftly intervened to prevent any harm to the newborns, especially the smaller female calf, amidst the chaotic scene. One caretaker sustained injuries while attempting to shield the calves from potential harm from their mother.

“It’s normal for a new mother elephant to display protective behavior, which can include kicking or pushing the newborns,” remarked a zoo official. “Our priority was to ensure the safety of both calves and the caretakers involved.”

Footage shared on social media captured the intensity of the situation as caretakers worked tirelessly to separate the female calf from Chamchuri, who still bore traces of blood from the birth on her hind legs. The successful separation and subsequent standing of the female calf elicited cheers of relief and joy from the veterinary team present.

“We’ve always held a hope to witness elephant twins, but such occurrences are exceedingly rare,” expressed a veterinarian involved in the birth. “It’s an event that not everyone gets to witness due to its rarity.”

Despite the challenges posed by twin births, particularly in ensuring adequate nutrition for both calves, the caretakers and veterinary team remain optimistic about the health and well-being of Chamchuri and her offspring. The zoo continues to monitor the elephants closely, providing specialized care to support their growth and development in the coming weeks.