Asian elephant born at Washington DC zoo for first time in 25 years

Smithsonian’s National Zoo invites public to vote for name for female calf born to mother Nhi Linh

For the first time in almost 25 years, an Asian elephant has been born at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington DC.

The 308lb (140kg) female calf was born at 1.15am on 2 February to 12-year-old mother Nhi Linh and 44-year-old father Spike, the zoo announced in a statement.

“After waiting nearly 25 years for an Asian elephant calf, this birth fills us with profound joy,” said Brandie Smith, director of Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI).

“What we learn from our elephants in DC directly strengthens our work to protect wild Asian elephants across south-east Asia. I’m incredibly proud of our team, whose expertise made this moment possible for Nhi Linh and for all of us.”