Be Part of Something Giant
A new trunkload of joy has arrived at Smithsonian's National Zoo! Born overnight on Feb. 2 at 1:15 a.m. to 12-year-old mother Nhi Linh, this little calf is the first to arrive at the National Zoo in nearly 25 years.
With fewer than 50,000 Asian elephants left in the wild, every birth is a symbol of hope and a reminder that protecting elephants starts with all of us.
Vote and Donate to Save Asian Elephants
We need your help naming our newest elephant. Cast a vote for your favorite name by making a gift of $5 or more. Every dollar raised counts as a vote and a donation to the Zoo's Asian elephant care and conservation programs.
Voting closes at noon Eastern Standard Time on Friday, Feb. 13.
Current Rankings
Votes for Linh Mai : 0%
Votes for Thảo Nhi : 0%
Votes for Tú Anh : 0%
Votes for Tuyết : 0%
Results will be updated 9 a.m. EST daily. Last update Feb. 9 at 9:25 a.m.
The Names
Linh Mai
Pronounced: “LIN my” — with a soft g sound at the end of “Linh”
Spirit blossom — Linh means “spirit” or “soul,” and Mai refers to the apricot blossom, a flower associated with Tết (Lunar New Year), which begins Feb. 17.
Thảo Nhi
Pronounced: “tOW” — rhymes with cow — “nee”
"Gentle and beloved" – Thảo means gentle or kind and is associated with nature; Nhi means small, little one, or beloved.
Tú Anh
Pronounced: “tOO ahn,” with a soft “ng” sound at the end of Anh
"Bright and intelligent" – Tú suggests excellence or beauty; Anh suggests brightness and intelligence.
Tuyết
Pronounced: “TWET,” rhymes with wet
Traditionally means "snow." Nhi Linh gave birth in the aftermath of winter storm Fern, which dropped 6 inches of snow and ice in the D.C. area.
More Ways to Support
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! Nhi Linh is a first-time mother and Spike is the father. The pair received a breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan.
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
Over the past century, Asian elephant populations have declined due to habitat loss and conflict. Through science, collaboration and care, we’re helping these animals survive and thrive in the wild and in human care. Your support powers every step.
Wildlife tracking
We map how elephants move through the forests of Laos and Myanmar, providing data that can reduce human-elephant conflict.
Health research
We help other zoos diagnose and treat Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV), a serious disease that puts young elephants at risk.
Reproductive studies
Our scientists study hormones and genetics to make sure babies are delivered safely and healthy herds can continue to grow.
Training
We're giving our overseas partners the guidance and training they need to better conserve Asian elephants in their native habitat.
Questions? We've got a TON of answers.
The calf's debut will be dependent on several factors closely monitored by keepers: health, social wellbeing and weather. Keep an eye on this page and the Zoo's social media accounts for updates.
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.
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.
Asian elephant pregnancies last about 22 months — the longest gestation period of any animal.