Booties for this new baby might take a little more time to knit. The season opening of the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore this weekend might be a great time to see their pregnant African elephant, Felix, before she has her baby ? expected any day now.
“Everybody?s just really excited about the impending birth and being very watchful,” said zoo spokeswoman Jennifer Ludwig.
Last December, Felix and Tuffy transferred from Riddles Elephant and Wildlife Sanctuary in Arkansas to join the zoo?s two other African elephants, Dolly and Anna. Felix was already pregnant when she arrived.
A successful elephant birth would mean an even larger family group at the zoo and improved social environment, with a multigenerational herd, Ludwig said. “They are very social.”
The zoo is also planning a series of new exhibits and events for the new season.
A renovated African Aviary, featuring a boardwalk for a more personal encounter with the birds, is under construction, slated to be ready in the spring, as is a new giraffe feeding center designed to allow even the smallest guests the opportunity to feed the tallest residents of the zoo.
Today at 11 a.m., visitors can view Magnet and Alaska, two polar bears, receiving special icy treats in celebration of the reopening.
IF YOU GO
WHERE: 2570 Druid Hill Ave., Baltimore
TICKETS: To celebrate its 132nd year in operation, the zoo will reduce admission to $5 per person Saturday and Sunday. Admission prices will also be reduced for the remainder of March and April to $11.00 for adults, $9 for children and $10 for seniors.
