A new baby elephant has been born in Dublin Zoo

Just when we needed a new excuse to go to the zoo!

Dublin Zoo has just announced the birth a female Asian elephant calf. The calf was born on Monday night (March 13th) after a 22-month gestation period. She is estimated to be 1 metre tall and weighs approximately 80kg. Just look at her little face. [caption id="attachment_338355" align="alignnone" width="2400"] © Patrick Bolger Photography[/caption] [caption id="attachment_338357" align="alignnone" width="1600"] © Patrick Bolger Photography[/caption] The new arrival is elephant Dina’s third calf and the fifth calf born at Dublin Zoo in less than three years. The new-born will join the herd of nine Asian elephants, including father Upali, in the Kaziranga Forest Trail. [caption id="attachment_338356" align="alignnone" width="2400"] © Patrick Bolger Photography[/caption] Gerry Creighton, Operations Manager at Dublin Zoo said:

"We are delighted with the new arrival and happy to report that both mum and calf are doing great. The calf is feeding exceptionally well and has settled into her surroundings seamlessly. This is Dina’s third calf and so naturally, she has developed excellent maternal instincts over the years. We are very proud of the expanding herd and recognise the significance of these births for the future of endangered Asian elephants."