Okubili – the Zulu word for “two” or “duplicate” – was a fitting moniker for this not-so-little one, as the second calf born at the Dallas Zoo and who, according to his caretakers, is a “carbon copy” of his mom, Mlilo. The first six months of his life seemed to fly by, as animal care staff watched the newest member of the herd grow bigger and stronger each day. At birth, Okubili weighed in at 290 pounds. Just six short months later he had already doubled in size, tipping the scales at 610 pounds. Now at a year old, he’s just over 1,000 pounds! Even more rewarding, zoologists say, has been watching Okubili’s confidence and personality develop. 

“Okubili is very rambunctious and constantly moving. He rarely stays still. He has a spunky personality and is very smart,” says zoologist Keali’i Castellano. “He catches on to new behaviors very quickly, often mimicking what he sees the adults do. He loves to play in the pool and enjoys throwing around big enrichment items like large boomer balls and tires.” 

“He is very independent and the comedian of the barn,” Lagemann added. “He is usually high energy and a big goofball first thing in the mornings, almost like he missed us overnight and wants to show off.” 

As Okubili approaches his first birthday, Dallas Zoo animal care staff reflect on how things have changed since he came on the scene, from their daily routines to watching as each member of the herd has formed their own unique bond with him.  

“Each of the adults has been very interested in him and were very gentle when first meeting him,” said Jenny Roath, lead zoologist. “The elephants responded as a herd should, and everyone has taken on the ‘babysitting’ role, giving Mlilo small breaks.” 

In the animal world, this is called “alloparenting” and is common among primates and other mammals who live in social groups. In addition to the other adults playing the “babysitter” role to give the new mom a reprieve, elephants will exhibit friendly alloparenting behaviors with a calf like physically touching trunks, feet, and faces, as well as browsing and foraging for food together. One of the most heartwarming relationships animal care staff have seen with Okubili so far has been with the herd’s oldest female and matriarch, 47-year-old Jenny.  

“She surprised us all by seeking out Okubili and being very gentle with him when he was a newborn,” recalled Sarah Bettinger, senior zoologist. “When the two are reunited after being apart for short periods of time, Jenny will bee-line straight to Okubili, passing up all sorts of food to rumble and show physical affection towards him.” 

Training is another vital part of all the elephants’ daily routines, including young Okubili. Zoologists work with each elephant to master behaviors like opening their mouths and presenting their ears, trunks, and feet for visual exams, all of which provide the foundation for their long-term health and welfare. 

“We rely on the elephants’ cooperation and our working relationship with them to provide the care they need,” said lead zoologist Sam Safranek. “Okubili has already learned ‘mouth open,’ name recognition, ear presentation, and a lean-in behavior. These small building blocks will add up to more complex behaviors in the future that will help us administer healthcare like voluntary blood draws, visual exams, and more as he grows up.” 

The next major milestone for this little one will be meeting his dad, Tendaji, and spending time with the full herd in the Gregg Hudson Giants of the Savanna habitat, where he’ll continue to capture the hearts of Zoo staff and guests alike. Although Okubili’s name means “two,” he is truly one-of-a-kind. 

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