There’s a new baby at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. On Monday, February 2, 12-year-old Asian elephant Nhi Linh gave birth to a female calf. This is the first Asian elephant birth at the National Zoo in nearly 25 years.
The calf was born at 1:15 a.m. and measured in at 308 pounds and 38.5 inches tall. This is the first baby for Nhi Linh and the fourth for the calf’s father, 44-year-old Spike. Spike has sired three calves at other zoos, but none have survived.
“After waiting nearly 25 years for an Asian elephant calf, this birth fills us with profound joy,” Brandie Smith, the John and Adrienne Mars Director of National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, said in a press release. “What we learn from our elephants in DC directly strengthens our work to protect wild Asian elephants across Southeast Asia. I’m incredibly proud of our team, whose expertise made this moment possible for Nhi Linh and for all of us.”
The birth comes just two and a half months after the zoo announced that Nhi Linh was pregnant. Her pregnancy lasted 21 months, which is typical for Asian elephants; pregnancies usually last anywhere from 18 to 22 months.
Viewing the New Calf
The calf and her mother will spend up to one month off-exhibit bonding with each other, other herd members, and keepers. The zoo’s Elephant Community Center will be closed for the time being to provide quiet for the two elephants.
Before the calf makes her public debut, members of the zoo will receive a member-exclusive invite to a viewing opportunity. While the elephant cam remains turned off to give the new elephant privacy, the cam will return once the calf makes her public debut.
Voting on a Name
Now that the calf is born, fans of the Zoo have the chance to vote on the name. The elephant care team has narrowed it down to four options:
- Linh Mai: “Linh means ‘spirit” or soul;’ Mai refers to the apricot blossom, a flower associated with Tết (Lunar New Year).”
- Thảo Nhi: “Thảo means gentle or kind and is associated with nature; Nhi means small, little one, or beloved.”
- Tú Anh: “Tú means talented or gifted; Anh means bright and intelligent.”
- Tuyế: “Traditionally means ‘snow,’ referencing her winter birth.”
Fans can vote by making a donation of $5 or more to the zoo; each $1 donated representing one vote. Polls close at noon on February 13. All funds raised will go toward supporting Asian elephant care and conservation.
Feature image by Roshan Patel, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
