Female Asian elephant calf born at Smithsonian’s National Zoo, first birth there in nearly 25 years

A milestone birth for the zoo’s Asian elephant program

A female Asian elephant calf was born at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, D.C., at 1:15 a.m. on February 2, 2026, marking the first elephant birth at the zoo in nearly 25 years. The newborn weighed 308 pounds and measured about 38.5 inches tall, veterinary staff said after completing an initial health assessment.

The calf’s mother is Nhi Linh, a 12-year-old Asian elephant. The father is Spike, a 44-year-old male. Zoo officials said the breeding occurred in April 2024, aligning with the typical 18-to-22-month gestation period for Asian elephants.

Early care, bonding period, and public viewing timeline

The calf was delivered in an off-exhibit elephant barn suite and will remain out of public view for up to a month as she bonds with her mother, herd members, and keepers. Zoo officials described this period as a standard management approach for a social species that relies on close maternal and group bonds during early development.

For now, visitors can still see other elephants in the collection, though indoor access may be adjusted intermittently to provide a quieter environment for the mother and calf. Outdoor access will depend in part on weather conditions.

Herd context and why the birth is unusual at the National Zoo

The National Zoo has housed elephants for decades, but elephant births there have been rare. Zoo officials said this is only the third elephant birth in the institution’s history, and the first since the early 2000s. The birth also follows a reproductive setback: a separate pregnancy involving Trong Nhi—Nhi Linh’s mother—ended in a stillbirth in December 2025.

At the time of the announcement, the zoo reported a herd size of seven elephants including the new calf. Trong Nhi and another herd mate, Bozie, were nearby during the delivery.

Species conservation and genetic management

Zoo officials framed the birth within broader conservation and population-management goals for Asian elephants, a species listed as endangered. The pairing of Nhi Linh and Spike was supported through an accredited zoo population-management program intended to strengthen the long-term sustainability and genetic diversity of elephants under professional care.

Zoo officials also noted that Spike has fathered calves previously at other zoos, though none survived, underscoring the uncertainty that can accompany elephant breeding and neonatal care even in controlled settings.

Naming process and fundraising details

The zoo opened a public naming vote with four Vietnamese-origin options: Linh Mai, Thảo Nhi, Tú Anh, and Tuyết. Voting is tied to donations, with proceeds designated for elephant care and conservation efforts. The voting period is scheduled to run through February 13, 2026, at noon, and the selected name is expected to be announced afterward.

Key facts: Born February 2, 2026 (1:15 a.m.); female; 308 pounds; mother Nhi Linh (12); father Spike (44); first birth at the zoo in nearly 25 years.

• The calf is expected to remain off exhibit for approximately one month.

• Public viewing plans are to be announced after the initial bonding and care period.

• Name voting runs through February 13, 2026, at noon.