Columbus Zoo Welcomes Elephant Calf and Shares Joy with OhioHealth Dublin Methodist Hospital

On Friday, Aug 29, the Columbus Zoo held a “elephant baby shower” in honor of the recent birth of an adorable female Asian elephant calf born on July 23, 2025. The elephant calf was born to mom Sunny, who is a 16-year-old first-time mom. She has spent the past week bonding with her baby, nursing, exploring their environment together, and gradually meeting other members of the herd.

The Columbus Zoo is expecting another calf later this fall. Phoebe, a 38-year-old experienced mother, is expecting.

As part of this celebration, the Columbus Zoo is sending 40 gift packages to OhioHealth Dublin Methodist Hospital for all babies born on Friday. The “ADOPT packages” include an elephant plushie, a specialized adoption certificate noting that they were born on the same day as the Zoo’s celebration for Sunny’s baby girl, an “I adopted a baby elephant” sticker, a photo of the baby elephant, and an Asian Elephant fact sheet.

Dublin Methodist welcomes approximately 3,000 babies a year.

“We are excited and honored to be part of this beautiful celebration and announcement,” Cherie Smith, PhD, MBA, RN, president of OhioHealth Dublin Methodist Hospital and OhioHealth Grady Memorial Hospital, said. “Our commitment goes beyond providing exceptional care, we also strive to create meaningful experiences for our patients and families. We believe this gesture from the Columbus Zoo will add a special memory to their birthing experience; one they will cherish forever.”