The Oregon Zoo's newest family member has gone public.

Zoo officials began public viewing of Rose-Tu's new elephant calf on Saturday.

Photo courtesy of The Oregonian

The baby elephant at the Oregon Zoo

Viewing hours were set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., though keepers cautioned that those hours were subject to change. Keepers also pointed out that baby elephants spent lots of time sleeping.

Due to the numbers of visitors expected, Zoo officials encouraged visitors to ride MAX Light Rail if possible.

Zookeepers have been working to "baby proof" the elephant exhibit at the Oregon Zoo for the past few days.

"We're making adjustments to the indoor viewing gallery to help accommodate the calf," said Bob Lee, senior elephant keeper. "We're also making plans to modify the outdoor yards to make them safer. We have a couple of pools that we want to make sure he doesn't fall into when he goes outside for the first time."

The calf has been exploring his surroundings in an indoor protected area, picking up sticks and even playing in the bath with his mother, Rose Tu.

"We've seen him stick the end of his trunk in his mouth and suck on his trunk which is funny because he's breathing through it at the time, so it gets a reaction out of him, and he also picks up sticks," said elephant zookeeper Jeremy Kirby.

Kirby added that the calf was starting to develop a normal nursing and sleeping pattern after being introduced to part of the herd. Its mother is no longer tethered, and the two are getting along well.

Keepers said the two elephants have also been lying down together to sleep, and they seem much more rested.

"Once, when Rose-Tu lay down, the calf nestled between her feet, almost as if to "spoon," although facing in the wrong direction," a member of the zoo PR & Marketing staff explained.

Thursday afternoon, Rose-Tu and her new calf met up with Shine and Chendra by means of a "howdy gate," which let them see each other while keeping them physically separated. Keepers said the meeting seemed to have a calming effect on Rose-Tu, who appeared comforted by the presence of her companions in the herd.

Slideshow: Newborn elephant photos

It's an exciting development for zoo handlers after the elephant mother Rose-Tu initially displayed aggression toward the newborn elephant. After the 13-year-old and 7,000 pound elephant gave birth Saturday, she repeatedly kicked the newborn. Fearing for the calf's life, zoo staff swiftly separated the baby from his mother.

Elephant birth keeps zoo busy

Zoo staff have been busy since the baby elephant's birth, working to insure the newborn's survival.

On Monday, Oregon Zoo Deputy Director described the scene to KGW.

"Rose-Tu and her calf have been together since 5 p.m. last night," said Keele. "The staff has been working day and night to help ensure this critical reintroduction is successful."

The 286-pound calf approached Rose-Tu and nursed on both side of her during the supervised reintroduction. Rose-Tu has been lifting her front leg forward and tucking the calf under her, almost like a hug, according to Keele.

In fact, Rose-Tu appears to have calmed down significantly since giving birth and kicking her newborn.

 More: Naming an elephant

"At one point, the calf was in the wrong place and Rose-Tu gently nudged him with her trunk, repositioning her legs so he could get better access for nursing," Keele said. "She seems especially calm around him, and when he nurses it looks like Rose is almost sleeping, she's so relaxed; it's a very good sign."

When Rose-Tu appears too tired to nurse, keepers have been supplementing the baby's diet with elephant formula.

The calf continues to get stronger and is a "good eater" according to Keele.

The baby elephant is taking in about 10 to 12 liters a day, according to zoo veterinarian Dr. Lisa Harrenstien. About two-thirds of that amount is milk from Rose-Tu, and the other third is formula.

"From the behavioral signs we've seen thus far, we're very hopeful that the reintroduction will be successful," Keele said.

He believes that because Rose-Tu had never seen a birth before, she became confused when the baby was born.

Zoo staff first tried to reintroduce the two Saturday night, but Rose-Tu was still aggressive at that time.

More: Elephant stuns keepers by kicking newborn

Blog: Watching the birth & reaction

"When we brought the calf in the very first time, she tried her best to get to it by breaking chains, and breaking chains means she could potentially be free and posed a threat to her calf and the staff," Keele said.

In the meantime, the elephant calf cried for its mother.

"He was inconsolable," Keele said.

(KGW reporter Jane Smith also contributed to this article.)