In a landmark event for wildlife conservation, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, D.C., has welcomed its first Asian elephant calf in nearly 25 years. The female calf was born on February 2, 2026, at 1:15 a.m., to parents Nhi Linh and Spike, representing a significant success for the zoo’s breeding program aimed at preserving this endangered species.
The newborn weighed 308 pounds and measured 38.5 inches tall at birth, with zoo veterinarians confirming she is healthy, alert, and bright-eyed after a thorough neonatal exam. Her birth followed a 21-month pregnancy, typical for Asian elephants, and resulted from a breeding recommendation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan to enhance genetic diversity in captive populations.
This calf is the first offspring for 12-year-old Nhi Linh, while 44-year-old Spike has sired three previous calves at other zoos, none of which survived. Their pairing is crucial as their genes are underrepresented in zoos, helping to strengthen the genetic pool for Asian elephants in North America and globally, where fewer than 50,000 remain in the wild.
The successful pregnancy and delivery were supported by advanced scientific research from the zoo’s Endocrinology Research Laboratory in Front Royal, Virginia. Dr. Janine L. Brown, a senior scientist emeritus, emphasized decades of hormone monitoring that enabled precise timing for artificial insemination and predicted birth, allowing 24-hour care for Nhi Linh prior to delivery.
During labor, Nhi Linh was surrounded by her mother, Trong Nhi, and herd mate, Bozie, highlighting the social nature of elephants. The herd’s presence provided comfort, with other members likely communicating through vocalizations. This social bonding is essential for the calf’s development, and she will spend initial weeks bonding with her mother and close herd members before introductions to the full herd.
Zoo director Brandie Smith expressed “profound joy” at the birth, noting that insights from caring for elephants in captivity directly inform conservation efforts for wild populations in Southeast Asia. The zoo plans to keep the calf off-exhibit for up to a month to ensure proper bonding, with public viewing to be announced later, including via the Elephant Cam.
Public engagement is a key component, with a naming contest running through February 13, 2026. Donations to elephant care and conservation can be made to vote on names such as Linh Mai, Thảo Nhi, Tú Anh, or Tuyết, inspired by Vietnamese origins. This initiative aims to raise funds and awareness for the endangered species’ preservation.
Looking ahead, the calf’s birth not only brings hope for the zoo’s elephant program but also underscores the importance of collaborative conservation science. As the zoo continues its work, this event serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to protect Asian elephants and the critical role of zoos in species survival.
