Elephant birth is a real kick

PORTLAND, Ore., Aug. 24 (UPI) -- Oregon Zoo officials are pleased to have a new elephant even if the arrival process wasn't always easy or pretty.

Zookeepers rushed to cut a video feed shortly after 13-year-old Rose-Tu gave birth to a baby boy late Saturday, The (Portland) Oregonian reported Sunday. The mother had begun violently kicking the infant, a procedure zookeepers later learned is the animal's common way to encourage the baby to stand.

It was only the latest surprise they encountered in the African elephant birthing process and some said was typical of Rose-Tu.

"She doesn't follow procedures. She doesn't follow manuals. She does things on her own terms," said long-time zoo volunteer Rachael Skelton.

Rose-Tu had been expected to give birth in mid-September. Then she spent nearly two days in labor since early Friday.

"It's not uncommon, it's just unnerving," Deputy Zoo Director Mike Keele said.

The live birth is especially significant because Asian elephants are endangered.