D.C.’s Smithsonian National Zoo Asian elephant calf, Linh Mai, made her long-awaited public debut Wednesday, coinciding with Earth Day.
The calf, the first Asian elephant born at the zoo in nearly 25 years, has remained off-exhibit since her birth on Feb. 2 to bond with the herd.
DC zoo’s new baby Asian elephant ‘Linh Mai’ makes public debut on Earth Day (7News)
The zoo said the Linh Mai’s mother rejected her, but another elephant has been caring for her.
Zoo officials say Linh Mai weighed nearly 500 pounds at the time of her debut.
Asian elephant calf Linh Mai will make her public debut at Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute this Earth Day, April 22. She was born Feb. 2 to mother Nhi Linh and father Spike. (Brett Kuxhausen, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute)
According to zoo officials, visitors will now be allowed to see Linh Mai at the Elephant Trails exhibit.
Zoo officials say Linh Mai’s birth and debut are a major milestone for the endangered species.
D.C.’s Smithsonian National Zoo has announced that its Asian elephant calf, Linh Mai, will make her long-awaited public debut on April 22, coinciding with Earth Day. (Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute)
Linh Mai can also be viewed on the zoo’s elephant cam.
Asian elephants are considered endangered, and the zoo says the calf plays an important role in ongoing conservation and research efforts.
Admission to the zoo is free, but visitors are encouraged to reserve entry passes in advance due to expected high demand. Parking is limited.
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