Caretaker’s Dedication Saves Newborn Elephant at National Zoo

Elephant keepers at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo recently faced a critical situation involving a newborn Asian elephant. Linh Mai, a 308-pound calf, was born in February. It was an exceptional moment for the head elephant caretaker, Robbie Clark, who remained at the zoo for 29 consecutive days to care for the calf.

Unfortunately, Linh Mai’s mother and grandmother exhibited aggressive behavior and rejected her at birth. The newborn was left vulnerable and needed constant care and attention to ensure her survival. This rejection required Robbie Clark to dedicate all his time and effort to nurturing Linh Mai.

The commitment and perseverance of the zoo’s elephant keepers became crucial in providing Linh Mai with the necessary support and care. This ensured that the calf received the nutrition and protection she needed during such a critical time in her life.

Clark and his fellow keepers took turns providing round-the-clock care, including bottle-feeding and closely monitoring Linh Mai’s health. Their dedication was vital to helping the calf adjust to her challenging new environment.