On Tuesday, Feb. 3, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) announced the birth of a female Asian elephant calf at the zoo. This is the first Asian elephant born at the zoo in nearly 25 years and a notable moment for the endangered species.
The currently-unnamed elephant calf was born to parents Nhi Linh and Spike, who bred in 2024 at the recommendation of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan (SSP). Asian elephants and their genes are not well-represented at zoos, so this elephant calf will contribute to the Asian elephant population’s genetic diversity.
“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 in a news release. “When you see the calf and those heartwarming interactions with the herd, I hope you’ll be inspired to help save this endangered species. What we learn from our elephants in D.C. directly strengthens our work to protect wild Asian elephants across Southeast Asia.”
The healthy baby weighs in at 308 pounds and 38.5 inches tall. An adult Asian elephant can grow to be between 6,000 and 12,000 pounds, though females are smaller than males.
Zoo patrons and donors can vote to decide the calf’s name by donating $5 or more to the zoo via its website. Four Vietnamese names have been chosen as potential candidates: Linh Mai (meaning “spirit” and “apricot blossom”), Thảo Nhi (meaning “gentle” and “little one”), Tú Anh (meaning “talented” and “intelligent”) and Tuyết (meaning “snow”). Votes will be open until Feb. 13, with the winning name announced online shortly after, and all proceeds from the contest will benefit Asian elephant conservation efforts.
The elephant calf will not be in the public elephant exhibit until she has spent an appropriate amount of time bonding with her mother, but the zoo will continue to post updates on her through its social media channels.
