When was the baby elephant born at the National Zoo?

The baby elephant was born early Monday morning.

How can I help name the new elephant calf?

You can vote for the calf's name by making a donation of $5 or more on the Zoo's website until noon on February 13.

What is the significance of this elephant birth?

This birth is significant as it is the first Asian elephant calf born at the zoo in nearly 25 years and is part of a long-term conservation effort.

Home / Environment / Historic Elephant Birth Excites National Zoo Fans

Historic Elephant Birth Excites National Zoo Fans

3 Feb

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Summary

A 300-pound female Asian elephant calf was born, the first in nearly 25 years.
The calf's birth is part of a 15-year project to build a multigenerational herd.
Zoo visitors can vote for the calf's name through donations until February 13.

Historic Elephant Birth Excites National Zoo Fans

A momentous occasion unfolded at the National Zoo as a 300-pound female Asian elephant calf was born early Monday. This marks the first elephant birth at the zoo in nearly 25 years, and only the third in its 136-year history. The calf arrived at 1:15 a.m. to mother Nhi Linh, aged 12, and father Spike, aged 44.

The birth is the result of a dedicated, 15-year initiative by the zoo to cultivate a multigenerational herd aimed at enhancing the survival of the endangered Asian elephant. The calf, currently weighing 308 pounds and standing three feet tall, will remain off-exhibit for up to a month to bond.