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Smithsonian Zoo Names First Baby Asian Elephant in 25 Years

2/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Smithsonian National Zoo named its new baby Asian elephant Linh Mai, meaning 'spirit blossom' in Vietnamese, after a public vote that raised nearly $60,000.
Linh Mai is the first Asian elephant born at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C., in nearly 25 years.
The calf is 11 days old and will debut in the spring.
Voting took place from February 3 to February 12.

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Story summary

The Smithsonian National Zoo named its new baby Asian elephant Linh Mai, meaning 'spirit blossom' in Vietnamese, after a public vote that raised nearly $60,000.
Linh Mai is the first Asian elephant born at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C., in nearly 25 years.
The calf is 11 days old and will debut in the spring.
Voting took place from February 3 to February 12.