In brief
Linh Mai made her public debut at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, D.C., becoming a captivating figure as the first Asian elephant born there in a quarter-century. Her mother, Nhi Linh, welcomed her on February 2 after a 22-month gestation. Zoo officials describe the calf as curious and playful, inviting both on-site and virtual visitors to engage with her through the zoo’s live elephant cam.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The hottest new celebrity in Washington, D.C., is Asian elephant calf Linh Mai, who made her public debut Wednesday at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. She is the first elephant calf born at the zoo in 25 years.
Mother elephant Nhi Linh gave birth to Linh Mai on Feb. 2 after nearly two years of pregnancy.
Robbie Clark, the zoo’s elephant manager, said, “Linh Mai is a hoot, she’s a fantastic little elephant to get to know.”
“She’s very curious,” Clark added. “She’s learning how to be quite playful with the enrichment and the environment that she’s living in, and she’s confident.”
The Asian elephants at the National Zoo live in an expansive area called Elephant Trails, which contains outdoor walkways and pools. Fans who can’t visit Washington can check out Linh Mai on the zoo’s elephant cam.