Two new elephants join safari park

The two females arrived at the park last week

Two African elephants have arrived at West Midlands Safari Park after leaving a zoo in Belgium.

Suzy, 40, and 44-year-old Gitana arrived on Thursday and have since been adjusting to their new home, the park said.

The transfer has taken a year of planning but the reaction of their two new companions, 32-year-old female Five and bull elephant Coco, 23, was "a joy to see", head keeper of elephants Andy Plumb said.

"We are very excited to see how the new herd develops," he added.

The elephants had travelled from Pairi Daiza Zoo in Belgium, accompanied by their keepers.

Since their arrival, they have been exploring their new surroundings which consist of outdoor pools, mud wallows, dust baths, indoor sand beds and enriching feeding areas.

“After nearly a year in planning, all of the elephant keeping team are delighted with the safe arrival of Suzy and Gitana, which has doubled our herd numbers overnight," Mr Plumb said.

"The reaction of Coco and Five has been a joy to see, as forming friendships with other individuals is a very important part of their social life."

The pair travelled from the zoo in Belgium with their keepers

Veterinarian at Pairi Daiza, Alicia Quiévy, said: “We are saddened to say goodbye to our magnificent elephants, whom we have cherished for so many years and with whom we have shared so much love.

"We are confident that West Midlands Safari Park will take excellent care of them, with the development of their new facility being more suitable for these older females."

Wild populations of African elephants are declining due to poaching and loss of habitat and are listed as endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, the park said.

The park is a member of British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums and said it adhered to the highest standards when caring for elephants while partnering with and donating to Tusk, a charity that supports on the ground conservation.