First Asian Elephant Born at Smithsonian’s National Zoo in 25 Years

A female Asian elephant calf was born at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, D.C., marking the zoo’s first elephant birth in nearly 25 years. Born at 1:15 a.m. on Monday, the 308-pound calf is bonding with her first-time mother, Nhi Linh, under the supervision of zoo staff. The birth is significant for Asian elephant conservation, with fewer than 50,000 remaining in the wild. The zoo has opened a public naming vote, with options including Linh Mai and Thảo Nhi, to support elephant care efforts.