Say 'Hi' to Linh Mai
A new trunkload of joy arrived at Smithsonian's National Zoo! Born 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.
And thanks to the generosity of Zoo supporters, she now has a name: Linh Mai.
She is settling in and the herd is getting to know one another under the supervision of the Zoo's animal care team. Check out our latest calf update here.
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.
Thank You for Helping Name Linh Mai
We asked and you answered. The National Zoo received more $58,892 in donations to directly support Asian elephant care and conservation as part of the naming campaign.
And with 39% of the vote, the winning name is: Linh Mai.
Pronounced: “LIN my” — with a soft g sound at the end of “Linh”
It translates to "spirit blossom" in Vietnamese — Linh means “spirit” or “soul,” and Mai refers to the apricot blossom, a flower associated with Tết (Lunar New Year), which begins Feb. 17.
The selection reflects the care and hope people around the world have for Asian elephants.
Other names considered by animal care staff:
- Thảo Nhi — "Gentle and beloved"
- Tú Anh — "Bright and intelligent"
- Tuyết — Traditionally means "snow."
You can still make a difference by donating to support animal care and conservation.
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.