Calgary Zoo Elephant Swarna Becomes Surrogate Mother to Rejected Calf at National Zoo
In a remarkable cross-border conservation story, Swarna, a 52-year-old Asian elephant who once resided at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, has stepped into a maternal role she never experienced before. At the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington, D.C., Swarna is now raising two-month-old Linh Mai, a calf rejected by her biological mother.
A New Beginning for a Rejected Calf
Linh Mai, born on February 2, 2026, is the first Asian elephant born at the National Zoo in nearly 25 years and only the third in the institution's 136-year history. However, her arrival was marred by rejection from her mother, Nhi Linh, and grandmother, Trong Nhi, who displayed aggressive behavior toward the newborn.
"She has not been able to nurse because her mother has been aggressive and menacing toward her," explained zoo experts. The mother elephant has charged at barriers separating them, creating a dangerous situation for the vulnerable calf.
Swarna's Maternal Instincts Shine
Enter Swarna, who arrived at the National Zoo from Calgary in 2014. Despite never having a calf of her own, the elder elephant has embraced Linh Mai with remarkable maternal care. During feeding times, while keepers provide formula bottles every two hours, Swarna stands nearby, offering protective presence and companionship.
"She is gaining approximately 25 to 30 pounds a week," reported elephant manager Robbie Clark. From her birth weight of 308 pounds, Linh Mai has already grown to over 460 pounds, thanks to dedicated care from both human keepers and her surrogate elephant mother.
Medical Challenges and Innovative Solutions
Shortly after birth, Linh Mai faced serious health challenges when she developed worrisome diarrhea that threatened dehydration and weight loss. Zoo veterinarians implemented an innovative treatment: a fecal microbiota transplant.
For 14 days, six times daily, about two teaspoons of a "slurry" containing feces from a healthy baby elephant at an Ohio zoo was added to Linh Mai's formula. This novel procedure aimed to infuse healthy bacteria into her disrupted gut biome.
The treatment proved successful, fighting the diarrhea and restoring the calf's health, though she still depends on bottle feeding since her "milk teeth" prevent proper chewing.
Public Debut and Future Prospects
The unusual social arrangement was unveiled to media on April 14, 2026, ahead of Linh Mai's public debut. Zoo members enjoyed a special five-day viewing period beginning April 17, with general public access starting April 22.
Visitors can observe the fuzzy-haired calf wandering her enclosure, sometimes appearing slightly awkward as she explores her surroundings. Her name, pronounced LIN-my, means "spirit blossom" in Vietnamese, reflecting hopes for her flourishing future.
This heartwarming story highlights both the challenges of elephant conservation and the remarkable adaptability of these intelligent creatures. Swarna's unexpected motherhood role demonstrates how zoo professionals can facilitate natural bonding when biological relationships fail, ensuring the survival of endangered species like the Asian elephant.
