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Dublin Zoo welcomes new elephant calf

The calf was born to mother Bernhardine on Wednesday night
The calf was born to mother Bernhardine on Wednesday night

Dublin Zoo has welcomed its third elephant calf in three months.

The calf was born to mother Bernhardine on Wednesday night, weighing 68kg.

The new arrival is already walking and interacting with the herd at the zoo.

Bernhardine is the oldest female and the herd's matriarch. She is an experienced mother and this is her fourth calf.

The first calf of the year, Kavi, was born to mother Yasmin in July, followed by Ashoka, born to mother Anak in August.

Dublin Zoo Assistant Director Paul O'Donoghue said: "Our latest arrival is a wonderful addition to our breeding herd of Asian elephants.

"It was a very quick and calm birth and Bernhardine's daughter Asha (seven years old) stayed with her throughout.

"The calf was standing within ten minutes and has been suckling really well," he added.

A naming competition will be hosted on Dublin Zoo's Facebook page.

The zoo is calling on the public to suggest a name for the latest arrival based on its Asian origins.