The zoo said it was “thrilled” with Zaiya’s “rare” birth.

The indoor elephant enclosure was closed to the public for nearly a month while the herd developed “crucial bonds” with the calf.

Zaiya was the first successful female elephant birth at the zoo.

The zoo’s director Darren Webster said it was a “truly historic moment”.

He added: “This achievement further reinforces our dedication to the conservation of all endangered species and I could not be prouder of our team.”

Asian elephants have been listed as endangered since 1986, with populations estimated to have declined by at least 50% over the last three generations.