Baby Elephant Born At Smithsonian’s National Zoo After 25 Years; Public Can Help Name Her

WASHINGTON — After nearly 25 years without an elephant birth, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute is celebrating a long-awaited arrival — one that will soon delight school groups, summer campers and families visiting the nation’s capital.

A healthy female Asian elephant calf was born at 1:15 a.m. Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, marking the zoo’s first elephant birth in nearly 25 years. The calf was born to first-time mother Nhi Linh after a 21-month pregnancy.

Zoo officials shared on Facebook that both mother and baby are doing well and resting inside the elephant barn alongside Nhi Linh’s mother, Trong Nhi, and herdmate Bozie, often referred to by keepers as the calf’s “auntie.”

Veterinary staff reported the newborn is alert and active, weighing approximately 308 pounds and standing about 38.5 inches tall. Early exams showed strong movement and healthy vital signs.

As the calf grows more confident, animal care teams will slowly introduce her to the rest of the herd. Until then, she will remain off exhibit to allow for bonding time with her mother and caretakers. The zoo said the Elephant Cam will stay offline until the calf is ready for her public debut, which will depend on how both mother and baby continue to do.

Asian elephants are endangered, with fewer than 50,000 remaining in the wild. Zoo officials said every birth is significant, and this calf represents an important milestone for conservation and breeding efforts.

For more than 50 years, Smithsonian scientists have conducted elephant research in Washington, D.C., and across Southeast Asia. The zoo said knowledge gained from caring for elephants in human care helps support conservation work in elephant-range countries, where scientists collaborate with local partners to reduce conflict and protect wild populations.

With the arrival of the calf, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute is inviting the public to take part in a special tradition: helping choose her name while supporting elephant care and conservation.

Starting today, fans can vote for their favorite name by making a donation of $5 or more on the zoo’s website, with each $1 counting as one vote. Voting will close at noon Friday, Feb. 13, and the name that receives the most donations will be selected.

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