Two Young African Elephants Arrive at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm
By Animals Correspondent
Two teenage African elephants have arrived at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm in North Somerset as part of a major conservation and breeding programme aimed at supporting the species across Europe.
Fifteen-year-old bulls Impi and Mchumba made the move from Howletts Wild Animal Park in Kent on 12 May.
The transfer was organised through the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP), which manages breeding and welfare plans for endangered animals in zoos across Europe.
The pair are known for their playful and cheeky personalities and are now settling into the UK’s only dedicated bachelor group for African elephants at Noah’s Ark.
In the wild, male elephants naturally leave their maternal herds as they grow older and begin living in bachelor groups. Zoo experts say the move reflects that same stage of development and allows younger bulls to socialise and mature alongside other males.
Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm is home to the largest elephant habitat in Northern Europe, with 20 acres of grassland, sand yards, a large pool, indoor heated spaces and even a willow plantation designed to encourage natural behaviour.
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Lead Elephant Keeper Tom Lindley said staff were excited to welcome the pair.
“Impi and Mchumba are full of character and we’re really pleased to have them join the group,” he said. “Moving away from their family herd is a big step for them, but it reflects exactly what would happen in the wild.
“Our oldest bull, Janu, will help guide them as they settle in. It’s always fascinating to watch the younger elephants learn and grow over time.”
As part of the transfer, Noah’s Ark elephant Shaka has moved in the opposite direction to Howletts Wild Animal Park, where he will join an established mixed herd as its dominant male.
Zoo staff say Shaka’s move marks the next stage in his development after growing into a strong and confident bull during his time in North Somerset.
Chris Wilkinson, Curator at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, said bachelor facilities were an important part of managing male elephants within the international programme.
“These groups give young bulls the chance to develop in a way that closely mirrors their natural behaviour,” he said. “Shaka leaving the bachelor group is a natural progression for him now.”
Experts involved in the EEP say bachelor groups like the one at Noah’s Ark play a vital role in elephant conservation by helping younger males mature before eventually joining breeding herds.
Visitors will be able to see Impi and Mchumba exploring their new surroundings from the May half-term holidays.
