The Louisville Zoo’s baby African elephant Scotty turned 6 months old on September 18. He was born March 18 at 8:45 p.m.

On the big day, the Zoo’s Elephant area keepers weighed and measured Scotty. He weighed in at 650 pounds. When he was born, he weighed 285 pounds. That’s an average of 2 pounds gained per day. Compare that to a human baby who gains an average of 2 pounds a month until around 6 months old when he gains about 1 pound a month.

Mom Mikki also weighed in today at 8,400 pounds. When she was pregnant with Scotty, she weighed 8,900 pounds.

Scotty measured in at 44 inches tall. He was 37.5 inches tall at birth.

 “Scotty is doing great, and he is right on target for where he should be,” Louisville Zoo Elephant Area Supervisor Dave Campbell said. “He is very healthy, and we are thrilled with his development.”

Scotty also demonstrated some of his training by lifting his feet on cue and walking in line with mom Mikki and aunt Punch.

“Scotty’s training is an important part of his development,” Campbell said. “While visitors to the Zoo enjoy seeing Scotty raise his legs and wrap his trunk around mom’s tail when he walks, it is much more than that. These training techniques are the ABCs of what Scotty needs to learn.”

For example, Campbell said when Scotty raises his feet, keepers can clean his feet and trim his toe nails. Asking Scotty to stay completely still is training for being able to do medical exams, X-rays, blood draws and more.

Looking ahead, Campbell is excited about the future.

“Each day is a new adventure with a 650-pound baby elephant,” Campbell smiled. “Scotty has not only brought a lot of joy into my life, but also to the lives of Zoo employees and visitors. And, I know he will continue to do so.”

Scotty and mom Mikki are now on exhibit daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather and other circumstances permitting.