Milestone for Mali -- formerly known as Baby!

At just over two months old, Asian Elephant calf Mali would be one of the youngest individuals ever to have a book written about her!  

There's not long to wait before Mali: My Baby Book becomes available on March 26th.  

Elephant calf Mali is continuing to grow at a rapid rate!

She's drinking abouit 12 litres a day of mother Dokkoon's rich milk, and the result is that she's putting on about a kilo a day -- her most recent weight was  186 kg, well up on her birthweight of 110kg .  

‘Mali' wins public poll as our Baby Elephant's new name

Melbourne Zoo's baby elephant has a new name thanks to the overwhelming number of Victorians who voted for Mali.

Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings announced the winning name of the Zoo's cutest addition which won 23,143 votes out of the 34,325 votes cast - a strong 67 per cent.

Melbourne Zoo’s Baby Elephant to get a Thai name

Voting starts tomorrow 17/2/10!
Melbourne Zoo’s one month old baby elephant will be christened a Thai name that represents the floral heritage of Thailand, following a public competition, Premier John Brumby said.

Mr Brumby today launched the public naming competition for the baby elephant so the Victorian community could get involved and vote in an online poll to choose between five names.

Victorians get first peek at new Baby Elephant

Victorian families will have the chance to see Melbourne Zoo's baby elephant for the first time tomorrow, Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings announced today.

The latest addition to the Melbourne Zoo was born in the early hours of January 16 and is the first baby elephant born at the Zoo in its 148 year history.

Day 21 Baby Elephant Update

05/02/10
Both Dokkoon and her calf are recovering well from the difficult birth, and Dokkoon is developing some excellent mothering instincts.   Baby is very active, toddling around Dokkoon's legs for most of the time, but sometimes venturing a bit further away.   Baby is feeding at least once an hour. 

Day 7 Baby Elephant Update

22/01/10
Melbourne Zoo's first Asian Elephant calf remains in the elephant barn with her mother Dokkoon.  The birth was difficult and exhausting for Dokkoon who has spent the first week since her calf was born recovering.  The calf is alert, active and playful, however, this is still a critical period for the newborn calf.  Both mum and baby are still being monitored round the clock by Zoo staff.

Day 5 Baby Elephant Update

20/01/10
Dokkoon has taken her first real rest since the birth of the calf.  She has snoozed standing up since giving birth, but she has now lain down for the first time for a quick nap.  

Day 2 Baby Elephant Update

17/01/10
The Zoo's newest mother, Asian Elephant Dokkoon, is recuperating in the barn after a strenuous delivery early on Saturday morning.

Dokkoon Delivers

16/01/10
Female Asian Elephant Born at 1:10am. The first baby elephant in Melbourne Zoo's 147-year history was born early today to the delight of tired but ecstatic Zoo staff.