TUCSON, AZ — The tiny elephant — by pachyderm standards, 315 pounds still qualifies as tiny — born in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic at a Tucson zoo has a name: Mapenzi.
Mapenzi means “beloved” in the Swahili language widely spoken in African countries where elephants roam free.
The calf born earlier this month at Reid Park Zoo earned her name, wiggling into Tucson residents’ hearts and offering a pleasant distraction during Gov. Doug Ducey’s stay-home order.
The zoo and the Arizona Daily Star conducted a poll to name the elephant calf born April 6. The three names chosen as finalists were all names familiar in the Swahili language widely spoken in African countries where elephants roam free.
Mapenzi, and another 7,100 voted to call her Amani, which means “peace.” Zawadi, which means “gift,” polled third among the more than 17,000 votes cast.
“Mapenzi is just the perfect name for this little girl calf as she is beloved by all of her fans and the elephant herd alike,” zoo director Dr. Sue Tygielski said in a blog post.
Mapenzi is also a perfect young elephant.
Mapenzi’s “enthusiasm is unmatched” and she’s always “ready for an adventure,” her care team says. She’s also rambunctious. Instead of gently settling down for a nap, Mapenzi “will bow her head, stretch her front legs forward, and slide into a laydown like a batter sliding into home base,” the zoo wrote.
Related: Newborn Elephant At Tucson Zoo A Coronavirus Distraction You Need
At less than a month old, Mapenzi is already developing the running skills she needs to keep up with mom Semba, the matriarch among the elephants at the Reid Park Zoo.
And does Mapenzi ever love running!
“She does not walk but runs from place to place, and uses her trunk to investigate everything in reach,” the zoo wrote.
Mapenzi was an early bloomer when it came to using her trunk to hold onto objects like sticks.
She’s also a bit of a ham.
In a gesture that must be one of pure delight, Mapenzi spins in circles while flapping her enormous ears.
This is all causing zoo staff to breathe a tremendous sign of relief.
The week she was born, Mapenzi had bouts with diarrhea, which can be a symptom of an infectious disease. The elephant and veterinarian teams kept her hydrated and provided medication.
“She has been unwaveringly bright and energetic these last two weeks and has responded well to treatment,” the zoo wrote.
When she’s fully grown, Mapenzi will weigh around 2,700 pounds. She came into the world weighing 295 pounds — more than her big sister, Nandi, did.
“Both girls are curious and playful — Mapenzi at a few weeks old and Nandi at over 5 years old,” the zoo wrote.
Watch Mapenzi And The Elephant Herd
To catch a glimpse of Mapenzi, check out the Reid Park Zoo elephant cam. You’ll also be able to see the rest of the zoo’s African elephants — Nandi and her older brother, 9-year-old Sundzu; mom Semba; dad Mabu; and another female, Lungile.
The best time to see Mapenzi on the elephant cameras is between 9 a.m. and noon, according to the zoo.
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