During the Sedgwick County Board of Commissioners meeting on April 17, 2024, excitement filled the room as zoo officials announced a remarkable milestone for the Sedgwick County Zoo. Scott Newan, the zoo's president and CEO, revealed that all five female elephants in the zoo's breeding herd are pregnant, marking a historic moment for both the zoo and the state of Kansas.

This announcement signifies that 2025 will be a groundbreaking year for the zoo, as it anticipates the first-ever African elephant births in Kansas. The gestation period for elephants is notably lengthy, lasting 22 to 24 months, which means the zoo will begin welcoming new calves as early as next spring. If all goes well, the zoo could also become the first in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to achieve five elephant births in a single year.

Commissioner Jeff Dennis expressed his enthusiasm for the zoo's achievements, highlighting its status as the top tourist attraction in Kansas. He commended the zoo's team for their hard work and dedication, noting the importance of the zoo as a cultural and recreational asset for the community.

Commissioner Sarah Lopez acknowledged the years of preparation that led to this moment, while Commissioner David Howe inquired about potential naming competitions for the new elephants. Newan confirmed that plans for naming the calves are in development, with a focus on culturally significant names from the elephants' native regions.

The meeting underscored the zoo's ongoing commitment to conservation and education, as well as its role in enhancing the community's quality of life. As the zoo prepares for this exciting chapter, the anticipation builds for what promises to be a significant year in its history.