Miracle, the Asian elephant bull calf presumed dead in the womb, is getting stronger 24 hours after his harrowing birth, according to amazed staff at Toranga Zoo in Sydney, Australia.

Miracle has now been able to stand unassisted, can suckle from his mother unaided and is learning how to coordinate his trunk. He has also been introduced to other members of his herd and reacted like a normal baby elephant should.

Frightening Labor

Scanning imagery had shown that Miracle was dead in the womb. He was not giving off any vital signs. He was in a dangerous position in the womb, upside down, that usually spells death for an elephant calf, according to Berlin elephant reproduction expert Dr. Thomas Hildebrandt.

When the calf was born, Miracle appeared to be dead. But the mother acted as if Miracle was alive and, although weak, Miracle breathed.

Not Out of the Woods

Toranga Zoo’s senior veterinarian Larry Vogelnest cautioned reporters that Miracle was “still not out of the woods.” There could still be internal injuries or complications as a result from the difficult delivery that could appear in the next few weeks.

But not if Miracle’s mother, Porntip, has anything to do with it. In Thai, her name means “extremely blessed.” Keepers have reported that she is affectionate and protective of her hard-won calf.