Historic Birth: First Baby Elephant at Smithsonian Zoo in 25 Years

The Smithsonian's National Zoo has welcomed its first Asian elephant calf in nearly 25 years, born to 12-year-old mother Nhi Linh and 44-year-old father Spike. The female calf, weighing 308 pounds and standing 38.5 inches tall, is crucial for enhancing genetic diversity among Asian elephants in North America. Following a 21-month pregnancy, the calf will bond with her mother and herd for up to a month before being introduced to the public. A naming poll for the calf is open until February 13, with names inspired by her mother's Vietnamese heritage. This birth is a significant moment for conservation efforts, as Asian elephants are an endangered species.

Key Details: • Calf born at 1:15 a.m. ET on Monday. • Public naming poll closes on February 13. • Calf will bond with mother and herd for up to one month before public debut.