WASHINGTON (AP) — Capturing hearts in Washington, D.C., Linh Mai, an Asian elephant calf, made her first public appearance on Wednesday at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo.
Her arrival marks a significant moment as she is the first elephant calf born at the zoo in 25 years.
Linh Mai was born to her mother, Nhi Linh, on February 2, after an extensive pregnancy lasting nearly two years.
Robbie Clark, the zoo’s elephant manager, expressed delight, saying, “Linh Mai is a hoot, she’s a fantastic little elephant to get to know.”
Clark continued, “She’s very curious. 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 enjoy a large habitat known as Elephant Trails, which includes outdoor walkways and pools.
For those unable to visit Washington, Linh Mai can be viewed on the zoo’s elephant cam.
