PORTLAND, Ore. -- Rose-Tu, an Asian elephant at the Oregon Zoo, has given birth to her first baby.

The mother gave birth at 3:56 p.m. and then immediately tried to kick the 286-pound calf to his feet, but she was unable to. Zoo employees then rushed in when the kicking became too violent. They removed the calf and, a little more than an hour later, he was able to stand on his own.

Mike Keele, the zoo's deputy director, believes that because Rose-Tu had never seen a birth before, she became confused when the baby was born.

"Our veterinarians have examined the calf to see if he sustained any injuries, however from the behavioral signs we've seen thus far, we're very hopeful," said Keele, adding that Rose-Tu is doing well after more than 31 hours of labor.

Zookeepers fed the calf with a bottle and kept him separate from his mother as a precaution. On Saturday night, they planned to reintroduce him to Rose-Tu.

Though a female was expected, the healthy male calf appears to be fine.

"After several failed but energetic attempts, the calf finally stood up and took his first few steps," said Keele.

Zookeepers and veterinarians at the Oregon Zoo were on alert Friday morning as Rose-Tu showed the first signs of labor. Rose-Tu's due date was mid-September so the first signs of labor were surprising to watchful keepers.

"With a 22-month gestation period, it is not unusual to have dates vary by a month or more," the zoo's lead veterinarian, Mitch Finnegan, said.

View Photos Of The Baby | View Photos Of Rose-Tu And Tusko

Asian elephants are an endangered species with an estimated 38,000 to 51,000 living in the wild. The Oregon Zoo has a renowned breeding program for endangered Asian elephants.

More than 25 elephants have been born at the zoo, beginning with Packy in 1962.

The last elephant birth at the zoo was 14 years ago.

Asian Elephant Gives Birth At Oregon Zoo