At just one week old and standing about three feet tall, a newborn Asian elephant has already started exploring her surroundings at  Woburn Safari Park in Bedfordshire.

Under the protective care of her mother, Damini, the calf rarely strays far as she learns to navigate her new home.

Born after a 22-month pregnancy, the little elephant was quick to take her first steps, a hallmark of resilience in her species.

The park’s newest resident joins a herd of seven Asian elephants, including her 20-year-old parents, Damini and Raja.

The group lives on the estate owned by the Duke of Bedford, spending much of their time grazing on two expansive paddocks filled with trees and logs.

Asian elephants are native to Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia, but their population has dwindled to an estimated 35,000 to 40,000 worldwide.

The birth of this calf brings hope for the species’ future, especially in the context of ongoing conservation efforts.

Terry Shelton, head of the elephant team at  Woburn, shared his excitement: “Damini has adapted wonderfully to motherhood. She’s been gentle, using her trunk to bond with her baby, while the calf’s aunts, Chandrika and Yu-Zin, look on as the newborn learns to walk and nurse.”

The 15th Duke of Bedford, Andrew Russell, expressed his gratitude for the team’s dedication: “This birth is a testament to the hard work of our elephant care and veterinary teams throughout Damini’s pregnancy. It’s a proud moment for Woburn Safari Park and a positive step for the conservation of endangered Asian elephants.”

To celebrate the calf’s arrival, the park is inviting visitors to participate in a naming competition. Entries are open until November 7, with the winning name set to be announced on November 22.

This precious addition to the herd marks another milestone in Woburn’s mission to protect and preserve these remarkable animals.