DC zoo’s new baby Asian elephant ‘Linh Mai’ to make public debut on April 22

WASHINGTON (7News) — 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.

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 her mother, Nhi Linh, and the herd.

According to zoo officials, visitors will be able to see Linh Mai at the Elephant Trails exhibit beginning April 22. She will also make her first appearance on the zoo’s Elephant Cam, allowing viewers around the world to follow her development.

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Ahead of the debut, zoo members will get exclusive early access from April 15 to April 19, with timed viewing opportunities designed to help the calf gradually adjust to crowds.

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)

Zoo officials say Linh Mai’s birth and debut are a major milestone for the endangered species.

“Her birth was historic, not only for our Zoo family but also for this critically endangered species,” said zoo director Brandie Smith.

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.

SEE ALSO | Baby elephant on the way at DC’s National Zoo for first time in nearly 25 years

The elephant herd will have access to multiple indoor and outdoor spaces, meaning Linh Mai may not always be visible during visits.

The zoo will also release a short-form digital series, “Have You Herd?”, from April 17 to April 22, offering a behind-the-scenes look at Linh Mai’s journey and elephant conservation efforts.

Visitors can enter a contest to win an original elephant painting by the calf’s parents.