Following a Public Vote, the Asian Elephant Calf at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Receives Her Name
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute’s (NZCBI) 11-day-old Asian elephant calf received her name today. After 10 days of voting and $58,892.70 raised in support of the Zoo’s Asian elephant care and conservation program, the winning name is Linh Mai [LIN-my], Vietnamese for spirit blossom. Linh means “spirit” or “soul,” and Mai refers to the apricot blossom, a flower associated with Tết (Lunar New Year), which begins Feb. 17.
Linh Mai was one of four names—inspired by her mother Nhi Linh’s Vietnamese heritage—that were offered for a public online vote on the Zoo’s website from Feb. 3 to Feb 12. Fans were invited to vote for their favorite name by making a donation of $5 or more on the Zoo’s website, with $1 representing one vote. Linh Mai received $22,885—39% of the vote. Tú Ahn [TOO-ahng], which means “talented, gifted, bright and intelligent,” came in second with $20,627, or 35% of the total. In third place was Tuyết [TWET], Vietnamese for “snow,” which received $8,153.70, or 14% of the total. Thảo Nhi [TOW-nee], which means, gentle and beloved, came in fourth with $7,227, or 12% of the total.
Linh Mai is the first Asian elephant born at the Zoo in nearly 25 years. Her birth is a significant conservation success for the Zoo and this endangered species, as fewer than 50,000 Asian elephants are left in the world. All funds raised from Linh Mai’s naming directly support the Zoo’s Asian elephant conservation program, building on decades of research and leadership in movement ecology and rewilding, genetics and health, nutrition and wellness, and facilities and technology. Federal funding covers essential animal care expenses such as food, medicine, animal care staff and facilities maintenance for all animals at NZCBI. Funds to cover the Smithsonian’s ongoing conservation research that help Asian elephants—both here and in the wild—depend entirely on private support from donations, annual membership support and in-park revenue.
Before Linh Mai makes her public debut in spring, she will spend time off-exhibit bonding with Nhi Linh, their herd members and keepers behind the scenes. Asian elephants are an intelligent, sensitive and social species, so building these bonds is critical to the calf’s development. The Elephant Community Center is currently closed to provide quiet for Nhi Linh and Linh Mai. When Linh Mai makes her public debut, she will also make her first appearance on the Elephant Cam, enabling worldwide fans to stay connected and watch the calf socialize, play and learn.
Smithsonian’s National Zoo Members will be invited to view Linh Mai during a member-exclusive viewing opportunity in spring. Membership will announce the dates via email as the viewing opportunity approaches. Members must reserve free timed-entry passes to participate in the elephant calf viewing.
The Zoo will share updates, photos and videos of Linh Mai through its website, e-newsletter, Facebook, X and Instagram channels. In the meantime, Zoo visitors can view the other herd members and meet a keeper daily at 3 p.m.