Endangered Asian elephant born at National Zoo the first in 25 years
For the first time in nearly 25 years, an Asian elephant calf was born at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C.
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A baby elephant was born at the National Zoo for the first time in 25 years(Image: Smithsonian’s National Zoo)
An Asian elephant calf was born at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, marking the first time in 25 years that this has happened.
The baby was born on Monday, Feb. 2, at 1:15 a.m. after a 21-month pregnancy to parents Nhi Linh and Spike, the zoo announced. The calf appears healthy, alert, and bright-eyed, the zoo said.
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While Asian elephants have resided at the National Zoo for many years, this calf is the first to be born in nearly a quarter-century. “After waiting nearly 25 years for an Asian elephant calf, this birth fills us with profound joy,” said zoo director Brandie Smith.
Asian elephants are considered an endangered species. Nhi Linh and Spike bred in April 2024 following a breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan, said zoo officials.
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The baby was born on Monday after a 21-month long pregnancy(Image: Smithsonian’s National Zoo)
The gestation period for Asian elephants last between 18 to 22 months. The zoo announced Nhi Linh’s pregnancy back in November.
The calf is the first offspring for Nhi Linh, 12, said the zoo. However, 44-year-old Spike has fathered three calves at other zoos, but none survived.
“Because Nhi Linh and Spike’s genes are not well represented in zoos, their calf will help strengthen the genetic diversity of the Asian elephant population in North America and around the world,” the zoo said in a statement.
It’s unclear when the baby will go on display at the zoo. She’ll need up to a month of off-exhibit bonding with her mother, their herd members, and zoo keepers.
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“Asian elephants are an intelligent, sensitive and social species, so building these bonds is critical to the calf’s development,” the zoo said. Dates for her public debut will be announced in the future.
Once the baby goes on display, she’ll also be viewable on the zoo’s Elephant Cam. “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,” said Smith.
“I’m incredibly proud of our team, whose expertise made this moment possible for Nhi Linh and for all of us.” For now, visitors will be able to see the calf’s other herd members and meet a keeper daily at 3 p.m.
However, the Elephant Community Center will be closed intermittently to provide a quiet space for the new mother and her calf. Staff want to give them access to the other indoor and outdoor habitats as soon as possible, but out door access will be dependent on the weather, the zoo said.