Syracuse, N.Y. — On a crisp October morning in upstate New York, a quiet miracle unfolded inside the elephant pavilion of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo. Caretakers, veterinarians, and staff stood in awe as an Asian elephant named
Mali gave birth — not to one calf, but two.
Within minutes, the zoo realized it was witnessing something extraordinary: the first successful set of twin elephant births in the United States
.
The two male calves, later named Yaad and Tukada, were healthy, alert, and standing on their wobbly legs. It was an emotional moment that the team would never forget — a moment of triumph for animal care, science, and conservation.
Now, nearly a year later, the miracle brothers are thriving.
“They’re doing incredibly well,” said Seth Groesbeck, the zoo’s Collection Manager, in a recent update. “Both boys are gaining between one and three pounds a day, and they’ve really started to explore their environment. They’re curious, playful, and developing their own personalities.”
One of the twins, Groesbeck added, has consistently been about 10 pounds heavier than the other since birth, but both are strong and healthy. “They play together constantly — it’s like having two rambunctious toddlers,” he laughed. “They are truly amazing.”
A Rare and Precious Event
Twin elephant births are so uncommon that even experienced zoologists may never witness one in their entire careers. Fewer than 1% of all elephant pregnancies
result in twins, and in the wild, survival rates are devastatingly low. The competition for their mother’s milk and the physical strain on her body often make it difficult for both calves to live.
That’s what makes Yaad and Tukada’s survival such a monumental achievement.
“This is an event of international significance,” Groesbeck explained. “To have not only twin elephants born alive but both thriving nearly a year later — it’s something that’s never been done before in the U.S.”
The Rosamond Gifford Zoo’s elephants are part of the Species Survival Plan (SSP) for Asian elephants, a collaborative effort among accredited zoos to ensure genetic diversity and long-term conservation of this endangered species. Their birth, therefore, isn’t just a success story for Syracuse — it’s a contribution to the global future of elephants.
Meeting Yaad and Tukada
The twins’ names carry special meaning. “Yaad” is derived from the Thai word for “memory,” a fitting tribute to the species’ famous intelligence and emotional depth.
“Tukada” means “doll” in Thai — a nod to his slightly smaller size and gentle nature.
At birth, the calves weighed about 220 pounds each, a healthy size for newborn elephants. Today, they weigh several hundred pounds more and continue to grow at a steady pace.
“When fully grown, male Asian elephants can weigh between 9,000 and 12,000 pounds,” Groesbeck said. “So they’ve got a long way to go, but they’re off to an excellent start.”
Visitors to the zoo have been captivated by the twins’ playful energy. They can often be seen chasing each other across the enclosure, splashing in mud puddles, or exploring enrichment toys created by their keepers. Their mother, Mali, keeps a close watch but allows them increasing independence.
“She’s a fantastic mom,” Groesbeck said. “Raising twins is no small task, but Mali has handled it beautifully. Her maternal instincts are strong, and she’s incredibly attentive.”
The calves also spend time with the zoo’s
bull elephant, Doc, who plays an important role as a calm, guiding presence. Under the watchful eyes of their human and elephant family alike, Yaad and Tukada are growing into healthy, social young elephants.
The Team Behind the Miracle
Behind the scenes, an army of dedicated staff members has made the twins’ success possible. From the moment of their birth, the elephants were surrounded by veterinarians, nutritionists, and behavioral experts working around the clock to ensure their health.
The twins’ care routine includes regular weigh-ins, medical exams, and carefully formulated diets to support their rapid growth. Trainers use positive reinforcement to help the calves learn cooperative behaviors — such as lifting their feet for inspection or opening their mouths for dental checks — which will be essential as they grow larger.
“They’re just like kids,” said one zookeeper. “They’re learning every day, and we’re learning from them, too. You can see how intelligent and curious they are.”
The zoo’s Asian Elephant Preserve — a sprawling, state-of-the-art facility — provides space for physical activity, social interaction, and mental stimulation. Each day, keepers rotate enrichment activities, such as giant hanging balls, sand piles, logs, and water features to keep the elephants engaged.
The calves’ favorite activity? Splashing in water. “They love bath time,” Groesbeck said. “It’s not just play — it helps their skin and joints, too. They could spend all day in the water if we let them.”
A Symbol of Hope for a Species in Peril
The birth of Yaad and Tukada is more than a joyful event; it’s a symbol of hope for Asian elephants, whose population continues to decline across their native range.
Once found throughout much of Asia, today fewer than 50,000 Asian elephants remain in the wild. Habitat loss, human-elephant conflict, and poaching have placed the species on the endangered list.
“Every elephant birth is significant,” said a spokesperson from the zoo’s conservation team. “But a twin birth — and a successful one — is beyond extraordinary. It offers scientists an invaluable opportunity to study elephant development and maternal behavior in ways we’ve never been able to before.”
The zoo collaborates with researchers and conservation organizations around the world to share data about the twins’ growth, genetics, and social behaviors. The findings could help inform care practices for elephants in human care and improve conservation strategies for wild populations.
Capturing Hearts Near and Far
Since their birth, Yaad and Tukada have become something of a local sensation — and global ambassadors for their species.
Videos and photos shared by the zoo have gone viral, showing the brothers tumbling together in hay, exploring enrichment toys, or gently touching trunks in affection. Visitors line up along the viewing areas hoping for a glimpse of the duo, while children press their hands against the glass, mesmerized.
“The energy they bring is contagious,” said one frequent visitor. “You can’t watch them without smiling. They remind us of how much beauty and wonder still exist in the world.”
For the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, which has a long history of successful elephant care, the twins represent not just a scientific achievement but a deeply personal one.
“We’re like a family here,” Groesbeck said. “Our elephants are part of our lives, and seeing these calves grow and thrive — it’s emotional. It’s what we work for every single day.”
Looking Ahead: A Future Full of Promise
The zoo plans to continue monitoring the twins closely as they grow into adolescence. The next few years will be crucial as they transition from milk to solid food, develop social behaviors, and gain strength and coordination.
“They’re reaching that stage where they want to test everything,” Groesbeck said with a chuckle. “They’re curious, mischievous, and sometimes a little stubborn. But that’s exactly what we want — it shows they’re healthy and confident.”
As they grow, Yaad and Tukada will eventually become part of the zoo’s structured breeding and conservation program, helping ensure the future of Asian elephants for generations to come.
In the meantime, the zoo invites visitors to witness their journey firsthand and to learn about the conservation work that made their story possible.
“Every ticket, every donation, every person who shares their story — it all helps,” said Groesbeck. “The more people know about elephants, the more they care, and the more we can do to protect them.”
A Legacy of Love and Resilience
Nearly a year after their birth, Yaad and Tukada are a living testament to what happens when compassion, science, and hope come together. Their story has touched hearts around the world — a reminder that even in a world full of challenges, miracles still happen.
As the sun sets over the zoo’s elephant preserve, the twin brothers can often be seen side by side, their trunks entwined as they explore the grass beneath their feet. It’s a sight that captures everything beautiful about their journey — the strength of family, the resilience of life, and the quiet power of love.
“They’ve brought so much joy to all of us,” Groesbeck reflected. “Every time I see them, I’m reminded that nature still has surprises waiting for us — and that we’re lucky enough to be part of this one.”
For the people of Syracuse, and for animal lovers everywhere, Yaad and Tukada aren’t just baby elephants. They’re symbols of hope — living proof that even the rarest miracles can thrive when given a chance.
And as they continue to grow, their story will stand as a joyful, thundering reminder that life, in all its wonder, always finds a way.
