Whipsnade Zoo reveals elephant calf’s name
Whipsnade Zoo has revealed the name of its new Asian elephant calf, following a special fundraising appeal that gave the conservation Zoo’s supporters the chance to choose his name.
The calf, who was born at the zoo on Monday 8 June, has been named Anusorn (pronounced ‘Ah-Noo-Sawn’), which in Thailand means ‘remembrance’.
Anusorn, already affectionately nicknamed Anu by keepers, captured hearts across the Zoo and beyond when he arrived after a 22-month gestation. The not-so-tiny infant was born to mum Donna late at night, surrounded by the other females in the herd: her own mum, Kaylee, and daughter Nang Phaya, who was born at Whipsnade Zoo in 2022.
The naming honour was awarded to Aoife Daly, from London, who was selected through a fundraising prize draw that raised vital funds for Whipsnade Zoo and conservation charity ZSL.
For Aoife and her family, the name held special significance. She said: ‘I’ve enjoyed visiting Whipsnade Zoo for many years and have always admired the care given to the animals. I entered on my partner Rob’s birthday, as elephants are his favourite animal. After he sadly lost his dad, Mike, last year, I wanted to honour his memory in a special way. That’s why I chose the name Anusorn, which means ‘remembrance’, a fitting tribute and a wonderful way to celebrate his legacy.’
In recognition of their support, Aoife and partner Rob will also join the zoo’s elephant team for an exclusive experience caring for the herd, and an overnight stay at Whipsnade’s Lookout Lodge.
Anusorn is an important addition to the European conservation breeding programme for Asian elephants, a species threatened in the wild by habitat loss, habitat fragmentation and climate change.
Funds raised through the elephant calf naming appeal will help support ZSL’s – the conservation charity which runs Whipsnade Zoo – wider mission to restore wildlife, including wild elephants. In Thailand, ZSL is working to reduce human-elephant conflict through initiatives like encouraging farmers to plant coffee – a high-yield product that’s less appealing to hungry elephants, who can wipe out sugar cane plantations in one midnight feast.
When three or four people visit Whipsnade Zoo together this summer, they can now enjoy even bigger savings with Whipsnade Zoo’s Family Ticket. No voucher codes, no hassle – simply choose the Family ticket option when booking online, available up to 2 September 2026 and Whipsnade Zoo will also give you a return visit absolutely free.
Visit www.whipsnadezoo.org to find out more.
Image © ZSL