US EditionSmithsonian’s National Zoo in DC welcomes newborn Asian elephant
The newborn female calf weighed 308 pounds and will bond behind the scenes for a month to support development and conservation of endangered Asian elephants.
- On Feb. 2, 2026, the Smithsonian's National Zoo welcomed a female Asian elephant calf at 1:15 a.m., its first in nearly 25 years, born to 12-year-old Nhi Linh and 44-year-old Spike.
- Paired under the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival Plan in April 2024, the pair bred with an approximately 21-month pregnancy and fewer than 52,000 Asian elephants remaining.
- Weighing 308 pounds at birth, the newborn female calf measured 38.5 inches and zoo veterinarians and animal care staff found her healthy and walking within hours.
- The zoo launched a public naming vote through Feb. 13 where the public can donate a minimum of $5 on the zoo's website to vote for four Vietnamese-inspired names, with all funds supporting Asian elephant care.
- Conservationists note research here can directly aid wild Asian elephants, as the calf's genes are underrepresented in North American zoo populations, supporting global efforts.
27 Articles
27 Articles
See the first baby elephant born at Smithsonian’s National Zoo in nearly 25 years
By Jack Guy, CNN (CNN) — A female Asian elephant calf has been born at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) in Washington, DC, the first in almost a quarter of a century. The baby, whose name will be chosen in a public poll, was born to mother Nhi Linh, 12, and father Spike, 44, at 1.15 a.m. ET on Monday, according to a statement from the zoo, published Tuesday. A neonatal exam revealed that the calf “appeare…
Baby elephant makes historic arrival at Smithsonian's National Zoo as first birth in nearly 25 years
Baby Asian elephant born at Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington D.C. on Feb. 2, marking the zoo's first elephant birth in 25 years with female calf and mother Nhi Linh are doing well.
The Smithsonian National Zoo in DC welcomes its first Asian elephant breeding in nearly 25 years. The breeding, whose name has not yet been decided, was born around 1:15 a.m. on Monday, February 2, the daughter of Nhi Linh, 12 years old, and Spike, 44. This is the first breeding of Nhi Linh. Nhi Linh and Spike were reproduced in April 2024 and the pregnancy lasted 21 months. The pregnancy of Asian elephants lasts, on average, between 18 and 22 m…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 64% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
