The male baby, whose name will be chosen in a contest, is only the third African elephant in Thailand.

Born at 4.09am yesterday, he is fathered by Ap and mothered by Jaew, both 17 years old, who were brought to Thailand from Kruger National Park in South Africa in 1998.

Zoo director Banyat Insuwan said the baby elephant was healthy. It weighed 40kg and stood 70cm high and 100cm long.

To name the elephant, people can send names on a postcard to Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo, 111, Moo 1, Ratchasima-Pak Thongchai Road, Muang district, zip code 30000.

Banyat said African elephants were generally larger than their Asian counterparts, making them the largest land mammal. They eat for 20 hours each day, consuming around 300kg of food. Their favourite foods are sugar cane, grass, vegetables and fruits.