Melbourne's baby elephant still critical

A baby elephant in a critical condition at Melbourne zoo is showing signs of improvement.

The Asian elephant calf has been receiving round-the-clock care since she was born last week with a congenital carpal flexure condition that prevents her from straightening her front legs, standing up and bearing her own weight.

That means she can't suckle from her mother, Num-Oi and she requires casts on her front legs and bottle feeding.

The zoo's head vet, Michael Lynch, says her condition remains critical but the calf is showing more energy.

Dr Lynch said she was immobilised on Thursday so a cast on her front right leg could be removed and another put on the front left to correct her tendons.

X-rays show an improvement in the elephant's right leg, Dr Lynch said.

Bonding sessions for the mother and calf are being held daily.

Blood samples were taken and she has a new IV drip to compensate for intermittent bottle feeds.