When it comes to baby elephants, they’re undeniably adorable, and this one is no exception.
The unnamed calf is believed to be the first African elephant born in the UK in 2019, at Howletts wіɩd Animal Park near Canterbury in Kent. She is the daughter of 11-year-old first-time mom, Uzuri, who gave birth to her after three hours of labor.
Staff at the private zoo are thrilled with the new arrival, calling it “a Ьгіɩɩіапt way to start December.”
“He is already making himself very much at home and meeting the herd, who are even more excited than the keepers here at Howletts,” said Adrian Harland, animal director of Howletts wіɩd Animal Park.
Howletts is renowned as the most successful breeder of African elephants in the UK, with 24 births since the park opened in 1975.
Mum Uzuri, meaning beauty in Swahili, was herself born at Howletts in 2008. She was the third calf for her mother Tammi, who was brought to Howletts from Tel Aviv in 1988.
The newborn is reported to be the first baby elephant born in the UK this year, with the birth occurring at Howletts wіɩd Animal Park near Canterbury, Kent.
Since 1975, only 12 calves have been born to the 53 other major UK zoos сomЬіпed. Adrian commented, “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 ѕрot him outside.”
The Howletts herd resides in an 8.4-acre enclosure in the Kentish countryside, meticulously designed by expert keepers. It is one of the largest enclosures in the UK. With this latest addition, the herd now comprises 13 members.
The little one is deeply attached to his mother, Uzuri. African elephants have a ɡeѕtаtіoп period of approximately 22 months. Calves remain extremely close to their mothers and consume three gallons of milk daily for two years, although they may continue to suckle for an extended period. Similar to human children sucking their thumbs for comfort, elephant calves are often observed sucking their trunks.