Whipsnade Zoo Reveals Name of Much-Loved Elephant Calf
By Animals Correspondent
Whipsnade Zoo has revealed the name of its much-loved Asian elephant calf following a special fundraising appeal that gave supporters the chance to choose what the youngster would be called.
The calf, born at the UK's largest zoo on 8 June, has been named Anusorn (pronounced Ah-Noo-Sawn), a Thai name meaning "remembrance". Keepers have already affectionately shortened it to Anu.
The winning name was chosen by Londoner Aoife Daly, who was selected through a fundraising prize draw supporting Whipsnade Zoo and conservation charity ZSL.
For Aoife, the name carries a deeply personal meaning.
She said: "I've enjoyed visiting Whipsnade Zoo for many years and have always admired the care given to the animals. I entered on my partner Rob's birthday, as elephants are his favourite animal. After he sadly lost his dad, Mike, last year, I wanted to honour his memory in a special way.
"That's why I chose the name Anusorn, which means 'remembrance' – a fitting tribute and a wonderful way to celebrate his legacy."
As a thank you for their support, Aoife and Rob will enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience with Whipsnade Zoo's elephant team, caring for the herd, as well as an overnight stay at the zoo's Lookout Lodge.
Anu has already captured hearts since arriving after a remarkable 22-month pregnancy.
The calf was born late at night to mum Donna, surrounded by the rest of the close-knit herd – grandmother Kaylee and big sister Nang Phaya, who was born at Whipsnade Zoo in 2022.
The youngster is an important addition to the European conservation breeding programme for Asian elephants, a species under increasing threat in the wild from habitat loss, habitat fragmentation and climate change.
Money raised through the naming appeal will help support ZSL's global conservation work, including projects protecting wild Asian elephants.
In Thailand, for example, ZSL works with farming communities to reduce conflict between people and elephants by encouraging farmers to grow coffee – a valuable crop that elephants are far less likely to raid than sugar cane.
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Families hoping to meet Anu this summer can also take advantage of Whipsnade Zoo's new Family Ticket offer. Groups of three or four can enjoy extra savings when booking online before 2 September 2026, and every Family Ticket also includes a free return visit.
Find out more and book tickets at www.whipsnadezoo.org.
