Setback for Melbourne's ill baby elephant

The care of a critically ill baby elephant at Melbourne zoo has hit further complications.

The Asian elephant calf 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.

After showing signs of improvement on Thursday, she was unable to bottle feed well overnight leading to nutritional problems.

Senior Veterinarian Helen McCracken said a glucose IV drip was given to the calf on Friday but she was not as energetic.