Amidst a heatwave in Melbourne, a baby elephant at the city’s zoo found the perfect way to cool down – by taking a refreshing swim.
The young Asian elephant calf, born at Melbourne Zoo just last week, is still unnamed. Once the one-week-old appeared to have a firm grip on walking, zookeepers decided it was time to fill the pool in the elephant enclosure.
With the city experiencing sweltering 35°C temperatures, the calf and his mother Num-Oi, appreciated the opportunity to take a dip and cool off.
While Num-Oi had no issues navigating the shallow water, her tiny son encountered a few challenges and even experienced complete dunking.
Oh baby: Num-Oi checks her calf is all right when he loses his footing to receive a full dunking. Source: Daily Mail
The calf’s arrival was quite an extended event, as Num-Oi’s 22-month pregnancy was followed by a four-day labor. Nonetheless, her 131kg baby was born safely and standing within minutes.
Zookeepers report that first-time mother Num-Oi is doing an excellent job, showing great attentiveness to her calf.
Although he hasn’t received an official name, the baby elephant has earned the nickname “Dougie” due to h is love for digging in the enclosure’s dirt.
New experience: The calf stays close to mum as they venture into the water. Source: Daily Mail
Cool dude: The calf looks as though he is smiling as he confidently strides through the water. Source: Daily Mail
Going down: The calf is heading for full submersion as he cools off in the extreme heat. Source: Daily Mail
This month, Sydney, another Australian city, recorded its hottest day ever, with temperatures reaching 45.8°C, surpassing the previous record set in 1939.
Thousands flocked to the beaches for relief, while temperatures climbed even higher at Sydney Airport to 46.4°C.
Touching base: The calf’s feet are aloft as he rolls over during the hottest heatwave on record for Australia. Source: Daily Mail
Down but not out: The calf gets to grips with a new medium as he goes to stand up, trunk outstretched. Source:Daily Mail
Time to play: The elephants set off for the pool side-by-side, their tails swishing. Source: Daily Mail
He’s on his way: The calf makes a splash as he loses his footing in the enclosure’s pond. Source: Daily Mail
Fruity snack: Mother keeps her strength up with a watermelon as she shades her calf. Source:Daily Mail
Knee deep: Chance to cool off in the heat. Source: Daily Mail