New Baby Elephant Brings Big Joy to Smithsonian Zoo

By Animals Correspondent

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo is celebrating a monumental arrival: a female Asian elephant calf, born early Feb. 2, the first at the zoo in nearly 25 years.

The newborn arrived at 1:15 a.m. to 12-year-old mother Nhi Linh and 44-year-old father Spike, following a breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan.

Nhi Linh’s 21-month pregnancy is typical for Asian elephants, which usually carry calves for 18–22 months. This is Nhi Linh’s first calf, while Spike has sired three others at different zoos — none of which survived.

Because the pair’s genetics are underrepresented in zoos, the calf is a critical addition to the North American and global Asian elephant population.

“After waiting nearly 25 years for an Asian elephant calf, this birth fills us with profound joy,” said Brandie Smith, the John and Adrienne Mars Director of NZCBI.

“When you see the calf and those heartwarming interactions with the herd, I hope you’ll be inspired to help save this endangered species. I’m incredibly proud of our team, whose expertise made this moment possible for Nhi Linh and for all of us.”

The zoo is inviting the public to join in the excitement by naming the calf.

Inspired by Nhi Linh’s Vietnamese heritage, the team has chosen four potential names:

• Linh Mai [LIN-my] – “spirit blossom,” linking the Vietnamese word for spirit with the apricot blossom, a Lunar New Year symbol.
• Thảo Nhi [TOW-nee] – “gentle and beloved,” with Thảo meaning gentle or kind and Nhi meaning small or beloved.
• Tú Anh [TOO-ahng] – “bright and talented.”
• Tuyết [TWET] – “snow,” a nod to her winter birth.

Fans can cast their vote through a donation of $5 or more, with $1 counting as one vote.

Voting closes Friday, Feb. 13 at noon, and the winning name will be announced shortly after. All proceeds go directly to Asian elephant care and conservation.

Before making her public debut, the calf will spend up to a month behind the scenes, bonding with Nhi Linh, the herd, and their keepers. The Elephant Community Center will be closed intermittently to provide quiet and a calm environment, with outdoor access depending on weather.

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Members of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo will have an exclusive first look at the calf, with dates and free timed-entry passes to be announced soon.

SEE MORE ON SMITHSONIAN NATIONAL ZOO HERE

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