The National Zoo’s newborn elephant, Linh Mai, has formed a close connection with an older female in the herd after being rejected by her mother.

Zoo staff have observed the youngster spending a lot of time near the older female, who appears to be offering comfort and social support. Caregivers say the pair stay close during much of the day, with gentle touches and protective positioning that resemble typical allomothering behavior seen in wild elephant families.

Allomothering—where other adult females help care for and protect a calf—is a common and important part of elephant social life. In this case, the older female’s attention is helping Linh Mai stay calm and engage with the herd despite the early difficulty with her birth mother.

Veterinarians and keepers are keeping a close watch on Linh Mai’s health and development, monitoring feeding, movement and social interactions to ensure she is thriving. They are prepared to intervene medically or behaviorally if the calf shows signs of stress or poor growth, but so far the close bond with the older female looks promising for her short-term well-being.

For now, the emphasis is on supporting the herd’s natural relationships and giving Linh Mai every opportunity to grow within the social structure. Observers say this kind of communal care can play a vital role in a young elephant’s emotional and physical development, offering the calf stability while keepers remain vigilant.