coolmelbourne.org

MELBOURNE'S baby elephant will make her public debut on Tuesday.

After 24 days spent in the exclusive company of her mother, aunt and keepers, the famous calf is ready to meet the wider world.

Visitors to Melbourne Zoo tomorrow are expected to have at least two chances to see the new arrival, the first elephant born in Victoria.

Zoo spokeswoman Judith Henke said daily viewing times would vary, depending on the mood of the calf and her mother, Dokkoon.

But keepers say the zoo's latest headline act is happy and healthy enough to venture into the limelight.

"She is progressing really well, so it's been decided to start the public viewing," said Ms Henke. The priority so far had been to help Dokkoon bond with her first-born.

The second has been to help her mix with the "adult group" of elephants, starting with her aunt, Mek Kapah. The calf has not yet been introduced to male elephants.

"It's a very gradual process," Ms Henke said.

An online competition to name the calf will be launched this week.

Elephant curator Jan Steele said staff who were getting to know the personality of the baby would come up with five options, which the public would vote on.