WASHINGTON D.C. — A baby Asian elephant is capturing hearts in the nation’s capital after stepping into public view for the first time Wednesday at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. The female calf, named Linh Mai, represents a milestone as the first elephant born at the facility in 25 years.
Linh Mai arrived on February 2nd, born to mother Nhi Linh following an almost two-year gestation period.
According to Robbie Clark, who manages the zoo’s elephant program, the young pachyderm has quite the personality. “Linh Mai is a hoot, she’s a fantastic little elephant to get to know,” Clark explained.
Clark went on to describe the calf’s developing character traits. “She’s very curious,” Clark added. “She’s learning how to be quite playful with the enrichment and the environment that she’s living in, and she’s confident.”
The zoo houses its Asian elephant population in a spacious habitat known as Elephant Trails, featuring outdoor pathways and water features. Those unable to make the trip to Washington can observe Linh Mai through the zoo’s online elephant camera.
