Vic's ill elephant 'has tenacious spirit'

A critically ill baby elephant at Melbourne Zoo is showing tenacious spirit, according to its carers.

The Asian elephant calf was born with a congenital carpal flexure condition that prevents her from straightening her front legs, standing up and bearing her own weight.

Head veterinarian Michael Lynch says while the calf remains in a critical condition she has shown positive signs and has a "tenacious spirit".