The Smithsonian National Zoo in the U.S. now sees less loneliness for the Indian elephant calf, Lin Mei. She has not only found devoted caretakers among the facility’s staff but also her very first companion. This news comes courtesy of The Washingtonian.
Lin Mei represents the first elephant calf born at the zoo in a quarter of a century, arriving on February 2nd. Tragically, her mother, Nhi Linh, soon rejected the infant—a scenario, unfortunately, not uncommon in the elephant world.
The zoo personnel stepped in to nurture the abandoned little female. They maintain constant, round-the-clock supervision over Lin Mei, feeding her formula that mimics elephant milk every two hours from a large nursing bottle. “This is among the most draining tasks I have ever undertaken,” admitted Robbie Clark, the zoo’s lead elephant curator.
Clark notes that Lin Mei is starting to reveal her personality, shying away from nothing. She is lively, playful, and at times quite spirited. Furthermore, she adores bathing, as the curator affectionately describes her charge. He observed that the calf frequently seeks attention by generating considerable racket with stomping and loud vocalizations. On April 22nd, the public will have their inaugural view of her.
While her birth mother continues to disregard her, Lin Mei has formed a bond with another female elephant—52-year-old Swarna. Swarna has never given birth herself, yet possesses an innate ability to handle young ones. She has proven to be a loving “surrogate mother,” safeguarding Lin Mei while also encouraging her to develop independence.
About the Author
