The two Asian Elephant calves born at Melbourne Zoo this year have now experienced their first Christmas party.

The party included new balls for Mali and Ongard and tasty treats for their mothers and the two other adult females in the herd.

Senior Keeper Dave McKelson says ‘this was the calves' first Christmas party, and it was very exciting for them.

‘They started to kick and roll the physio balls straightaway.

‘They enjoyed crumpling up the wrapping paper, too!' 

The physio balls were donated to the calves by Zoo supplier Physio Supplies Australia in Brendale, Queensland.  When the company found out that the most recent order was for Christmas presents for the calves, they  decided to send the balls as a donation instead.

Curator Jan Steele says ‘we are keen to encourage these babies to be very active, and the physio balls will come in very handy to encourage their natural playfulness. The balls are very strong and resilient, so the calves will get a lot of enjoyment playing with them.'

 Zoo Director Kevin Tanner says ‘the birth of the two calves this year has made 2010 very different from all the other years since Melbourne Zoo opened in 1862.

‘The regional breeding program for this endangered species has begun with great success. 

‘Within the first four years of the elephants arriving from Thailand, two calves have been born here, with another three at Taronga Zoo, which is partnering with us in this program.

‘We are looking forward to watching Mali and Ongard as they grow and develop in the New Year.'