The Oregon Zoo is expecting not one but two special deliveries — and both will require a flock of baby-carrying storks.

Eastern black rhinoceros Jozi and Asian elephant Rose-Tu are both pregnant, according to endocrinology experts at the zoo in Portland’s Washington Park. If successful, the pregnancies will result in big wins for both species.

Jozi was born in September 2012 at the Pittsburgh Zoo. | Photo via Oregon Zoo

🦏 Ready, set, rhino

First-time mom Jozi is expected to deliver her calf sometime between now and early January. Jozi and her companion King belong to the eastern subspecies of black rhinoceros — one of the most endangered species on the planet due to poaching and the illegal wildlife trade.

“In South Africa alone, we’re losing almost a rhino a day. Hopefully, their story can help inspire a new chapter in the conservation of this incredible species,” said Kelly Gomez, who oversees the zoo’s Africa area.

Rose-Tu is the mother of Samudra and Lily. | Photo via Oregon Zoo

🐘 Expectant elephant

Over in Elephant Lands, 29-year-old Rose-Tu is pregnant with what would be her third calf after spending a lot of time with Samson, a 25-year-old male. Elephants have the longest gestation period of all mammals, with pregnancies lasting 18 to 22 months, and care staff think Rose-Tu could give birth in early 2025.

A healthy Asian elephant calf would also be a boon to its species, which is considered endangered. Just 40,000 to 50,000 wild individuals are left in fragmented populations in India and Borneo — areas that overlap with some of the largest human populations in the world.

🍼 Cautious optimism

Elephant pregnancies are lengthy and a healthy calf is never guaranteed, especially this early in Rose-Tu’s journey. Experts say the risk is even higher for pachyderms like Jozi that have never given birth before.

“We have an excellent animal-care team,” said Steve Lefave, who oversees the zoo elephant area. “They’ll be doing everything they can to help each of these moms have a successful birth.”