Be Part of Something Giant
One of the Smithsonian's National Zoo’s Asian elephants is pregnant — and a trunkload of joy is arriving soon! It's a rare and joyous milestone for this endangered species.
With fewer than 50,000 left in the wild, every birth is a symbol of hope and a reminder that protecting elephants starts with all of us.
Born into a multigenerational herd, this little calf will be the first to arrive at the National Zoo in over 20 years.
Your support helps fuel Smithsonian science in action: care, research and conservation that stretch from the Zoo in Washington, D.C. to the forests of Southeast Asia.
Meet the Parents
Meet Spike and Nhi Linh, two special members of our elephant family! Spike is the father-to-be, while Nhi Linh is expecting her first calf in early 2026. Together, they play an essential role in the social structure of our herd.
Nhi Linh
Age: 12 (Born Aug. 10, 2013 at Rotterdam Zoo)
Arrived at the National Zoo: Nov. 7, 2022
Height/Weight: 7.5 feet / 6,700 pounds
Personality: Energetic and "go with the flow"
Spike
Age: 44 (born July 2, 1981 at Zoo Miami)
Arrived at the National Zoo: March 13, 2018
Height/Weight: 10 feet / 13,000 pounds
Personality: A calm gentleman
Saving Asian Elephants
Through science, collaboration and care, we’re helping these giants survive and thrive in the wild and in human care. Your support powers every step.
Wildlife tracking
We use GPS collars and satellite data to study elephant movement and reduce human-elephant conflict in places like Laos and Myanmar.
Health research
We are pioneering methods to diagnose and treat Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV), a disease that affects young elephants.
Reproduction studies
We advance elephant breeding success with hormone monitoring and genetic analysis to ensure healthy births and stable populations.
Training
We support our partners in other countries by giving them the guidance and resources they need to better conserve Asian elephants at home.
Questions? We've got a TON of answers.
Asian elephant pregnancies last about 22 months — the longest gestation period of any animal.
Keepers “baby-proof” Elephant Trails by adjusting barriers, adding sand for soft footing, and creating safe spaces for mom and calf to bond while still staying connected to the herd.
No special ticket is required. Entry to the Zoo is free, and Elephant Trails is open daily unless noted for animal care. Book your free entry passes online.
Follow the Zoo on social media, sign up for email updates, or become a member for exclusive behind-the-scenes peeks as the due date approaches. And watch them from anywhere in the world via the Elephant Cam.