"It's a girl! An elephant gave birth at the National Zoo on Monday, February 2, marking the first time in almost 25 years the zoo has welcomed a baby Asian elephant. There's an abundance of bad news in the world, but the calf is a heartening update: The species is considered endangered, and according to the World Wildlife Fund, there are less than 52,000 Asian elephants in the world."
"The zoo says the baby is "healthy, alert and bright-eyed." She weighs 380 pounds, a wee little thing for a species that eventually lands somewhere between 6,000 and 12,000 pounds in adulthood. (Yes, a new elephant is quite literally a big deal.) The calf is mom Nhi Linh's first baby. Her pregnancy was announced in November 2025, after mating with male elephant Spike in 2024."
A female Asian elephant calf was born at the National Zoo on Monday, February 2, representing the first Asian elephant birth at the zoo in almost 25 years. The calf weighs 380 pounds and is described as healthy, alert and bright-eyed. The calf is the first offspring of mother Nhi Linh, following mating with male Spike in 2024 and a pregnancy announcement in November 2025. Asian elephants are endangered, with fewer than 52,000 individuals worldwide according to the World Wildlife Fund. Nhi Linh and the calf will have a private adjustment period, and an online naming election requires a $5 donation per vote.
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