National Zoo Elephant Calf
Linh Mai, a 10-week-old Asian elephant calf, touches the hand of elephant keeper Becky Shore, during the calf's public debut at the National Zoo, Wednesday April 22, 2026, in Washington.
As featured on
The hottest new celebrity in Washington, D.C., is Asian elephant calf Linh Mai. She 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.” 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.