The life of Melbourne Zoo's newborn elephant calf hangs in the balance, after it was born with a never-before-seen medical condition.

Although the birth on Wednesday morning went smoothly, two of the female calf's feet are curled backwards, leaving her unable to walk.

Since she can't stand, the calf has not been able to suckle. Keepers are milking mother Num-Oi in order to bottle-feed the baby.