Pang Doksanu had her second baby this morning at 1 am 11 October 2009. This time Doksanu had a girl. A special group that is regularly organised by Jeanette Dickens from Melbourne Zoo of  zoo volunteers and friends, were the fortunate group to be here at the time.  Pi Om asked them to name the baby.  Opal was suggested, being an Australian precious gem stone and the birth stone of October, seemed an appropriate name. So Opal it is.

I dont usually like being woken up quite so abruptly at 1 am but last night was an exception when told a baby girl elephant calf had just been born! An unforgettable experience to watch- one that will be with me for a long time. And one I am extremely grateful for. Eleanor

Unreal, unexpected and very exciting!  Rhonda

Looking into the eyes of a new born elephant baby takes your breath away. But being able to touch this amazing creature minutes after its birth, feeling the warmth of its body is unimaginable.Nadelle

Just thinking that only a handful of people can say they have seen an elephant birth- and now I am one of those people is a privelege and a memory that will renisin with me always. Nerida (Ned)

What a treat!! This is my fourth visit and the first time I have had the privilege of witnessing the community involvement in the birth of a claf and the ceremony attached. I am humbled and grateful to be included. Jenny

So amazing to spend my birthday watching a new born baby elephant find her feet in this world. It is an absolute honour to be asked to choose her name Opal. Kate

At this stage mother and baby are doing fine, but we have had to hand feed the baby the mothers milk.