Meet Houston Zoo’s Newest Stars, Baylor and Tupelo!

The Houston Zoo is excited as its newest attractions, baby elephants Baylor and Tupelo, steal the spotlight with their adorable antics.

Their playful escapades in a generously sized paddling pool have quickly become a favorite among visitors at the zoo and online.

Baylor, at ten months old, and Tupelo, at five months, have outgrown their initial inflatable pool and are now relishing the splashes of a larger, family-sized pool measuring 120 inches.

This upgrade was necessary due to their rapid growth; Baylor weighs a hefty 1,100 lbs, while Tupelo is catching up at 600 lbs, particularly crucial during the scorching Texas summers.

Captured under the warm Texan sun, zookeepers have filmed heartwarming footage of the elephants’ first encounters with their expanded aquatic playground. The video perfectly encapsulates their sheer joy as they explore their watery domain.

One memorable moment includes Tupelo playfully tipping into the pool, adding a touch of humor to their aquatic adventures.

The elephant keeper, Mandy Rinker revealed that the previous inflatable pools couldn’t withstand the playful calves, succumbing to punctures within minutes.

The upgrade ensures Baylor and Tupelo have a durable and enjoyable environment to entertain visitors and thrive in their new habitat.

As Texas braces for warmer weather, the zoo’s decision to enhance the elephants’ pool experience couldn’t come at a better time.

The upgraded pool, designed for both calves, offers increased durability, allowing approximately five uses before maintenance is needed.

While the zoo doesn’t adhere to a fixed schedule for the elephants’ pool time, lucky visitors may stumble upon spontaneous and joy-filled sessions near the elephant deck, where Baylor and Tupelo showcase their playful antics in the water.

For those seeking a guaranteed treat, the daily 10 am ‘Meet the Keeper’ session offers a chance to witness the calves being bathed, providing an intimate glimpse into the bond shared between the zookeepers and these beloved elephants.

Tupelo and Baylor, inseparable companions, have forged a strong bond since their initial meeting, a testament to the dedicated care provided by their zookeepers.

Despite starting at a modest weight of 250 lbs each, they’ve experienced remarkable growth, transitioning from infancy to maturity.

Their journey is chronicled in the ‘Trunk Tales’ blog, where Baylor’s love for culinary delights and Tupelo’s exploration of a unique diet, including adult elephants’ feces, are shared. These dietary choices are carefully managed by devoted keepers for the calves’ well-being.

Daryl Hoffman, the curator overseeing large mammals, emphasized the strong bond between Baylor and Tupelo, nurturing companionship and providing opportunities for playful activities vital for their growth and development.

The names chosen hold special significance, with Baylor paying tribute to the Baylor College of Medicine’s elephant herpes research and Tupelo reflecting a musical connection with Van Morrison’s song ‘Tupelo Honey,’ adding a whimsical touch to her name.

As visitors admire Tess, Tupelo’s mother, attempting to nap amidst her energetic offspring, Baylor and Tupelo, it’s clear that these adorable elephants are captivating hearts and bringing joy to all who encounter them at the Houston Zoo.