In brief
Linh Mai, a charming Asian elephant calf, made her much-anticipated debut at the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, D.C. Born on February 2, she is already a local celebrity, praised for her playful and curious nature. Visitors can witness her antics through the zoo's live webcam.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The hottest new celebrity in Washington, D.C., is Asian elephant calf Linh Mai, who 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, commented, “Linh Mai is a hoot, she’s a fantastic little elephant to get to know.” “Linh Mai is very curious,” Clark added. “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 reside in a vast area known as Elephant Trails, featuring outdoor walkways and pools. For those unable to visit Washington, Linh Mai can be viewed through the zoo’s elephant cam.