Fort Worthians have a new local celebrity, and she’s already stealing hearts and headlines. When the Fort Worth Report broke the news that the zoo’s Asian elephant, Bluebonnet, had given birth, the city practically came to a standstill. At about 250 pounds, this little Texan is already making a big impression.
Born on August 18, the female calf is one of six Asian elephants at the Fort Worth Zoo. Her mother, 26-year-old Bluebonnet, made history in 1998 as the first Asian elephant born at the facility, and her father, Romeo, now proudly adds “dad” to his title. According to the zoo, Bluebonnet’s newest baby is healthy, curious, and rarely leaves her mom’s side as she learns the ropes of elephant life.
The Fort Worth Report noted that the zoo’s naming contest featured three Texas-inspired options: Yellow Rose, Black-Eyed Susan, and Lady Bird. After more than 18,000 votes, Lady Bird-nicknamed Birdie-came out on top. Her name pays tribute to Lady Bird Johnson, the former First Lady and Texas native, who is celebrated for her lifelong love of nature and wildflowers…