Baby elephant improving: Melb Zoo

The health of a newborn elephant who cannot stand because of a rare condition has improved after almost 24 hours of intensive treatment at Melbourne Zoo.

The 103kg calf born on Wednesday has a carpal condition on her front legs that prevents her from straightening her wrists and bearing her own weight.

Casts have been placed on her two front legs and head vet Michael Lynch said on Friday that there has already been some improvement in her condition.

The little elephant's fate is still uncertain but vets and keepers will continue to monitor her around the clock.