National Zoo's New Baby Asian Elephant, Lin Mai, Makes a Splash With First Bubble Bath
With just a few days until her official public debut, Lin Mai, the newest baby Asian elephant at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute in Washington, D.C., is already making quite a splash.
Lin Mai was born Feb. 2 of this year, and she's spent her first two months of life behind the scenes, learning to walk, socialize and even bathe herself.
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Of course, because she's an adorable angel, the staff at the National Zoo gave her bubbles!
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/y7iCqwDC88E
This video, shared by Today, gives animal lovers a look at how Lin Mai handles the soapy suds. We watch as Lin Mai playfully hops and rolls about in a kiddie pool full of bubbly bath water, a giant smile on her face as she makes as much of a mess on the floor as she cleans herself.
She now weighs about 400 pounds, and on Earth Day of this year, April 22, she's set to make her public debut at the National Zoo, greeting the public for the first time in the Asian elephant enclosure.
Related: Meet Linh Mai, the Smithsonian National Zoo's Newest Baby Asian Elephant
How Rare Are Asian Elephants?
Lin Mai's birth isn't just a big deal because she makes for cute content. This precious calf represents hope for a new generation of Asian elephants, a species that is highly endangered worldwide.
There are only an estimated 30,000 to 50,000 Asian elephants left in the wild, and their numbers have plummeted by more than 50 percent over the last 60 to 75 years.
Historically inhabiting the tropical forests and grasslands of South and Southeast Asia, these majestic and intelligent creatures now occupy only 5 to 10 percent of their historical range. Their populations are highly fragmented, primarily due to habitat destruction caused by human encroachment, hunting and conflict.
The highest populations are currently centered in India and Sri Lanka, while far fewer still roam in Vietnam, China and Sumatra. Elephants like Lin Mai, born and raised in enclosures, are the result of man's attempt to protect this regal species.
Lin Mai's cuteness does double duty, not only ensuring a future for her population but also helping raise awareness of the Asian elephant's plight through these social media videos. So, be sure to give Lin Mai lots of love online, and visit her in person if you're ever in Washington, D.C.
Related: Baby Elephant's Sweet Snack Time Is Melting Hearts
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This story was originally published April 14, 2026 at 1:05 PM.