Let’s talk about the elephant in the room – the adorable baby elephant

Christmas came a few weeks early to Howletts Wild Animal Park as they welcomed a new member into its herd, ending one decade and beginning another with the heart-warming introduction of a baby elephant.

The small calf is still yet to be named, however, keepers arrived to find him exploring and getting used to his surroundings.

The baby is the first son of 11-year-old mother Uzuri and also the son of the herd’s resident bull, Coco.

Born in the early hours of the morning, he is the 24th elephant to date to be born at Howletts since it opened in 1975, making Howletts the most successful breeder of African elephants in the UK.

Natalie Boyd, Head of Elephant Section said: “We were monitoring the elephant house CCTV from home so we know Uzuri went into labour at 3am.

“She moved outside to give birth and the calf had arrived by 6am. Mother and baby are doing well and are being fussed over by the entire herd, especially Uzuri’s mother, Tammi.

“The little one has already started exploring the elephant yards and lucky visitors who watch patiently may be able to spot him outside.”

With the addition of the new herd member, the numbers are increased to a staggering 13, all of whom live in an 8.4-acre enclosure in the Kentish countryside which has been carefully designed by expert keepers and is one of the largest in the UK.

Adrian Harland, the park’s animal director, said: “We have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the newest member of our herd and the entire team are absolutely delighted to welcome him.”

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