Twycross Zoo, renowned for its commitment to conservation and natural behavior expression for captive animals, was previously home to four female Asian elephants: Minbu, Tara, Noorjahan, and Esha. These elephants were moved to Blackpool Zoo in 2018 to a newly built £2.5m elephant habitat, allowing them the opportunity to breed and live in a larger group, including an adult male.
The Twycross Zoo Elephants
The four female Asian elephants that called Twycross Zoo home were:
- Minbu
- Tara
- Noorjahan
- Esha
These elephants were an integral part of the zoo’s collection, and their well-being was a top priority for the management team.
The Move to Blackpool Zoo
In 2018, the decision was made to relocate the Twycross Zoo elephants to Blackpool Zoo. This move was not taken lightly, as the zoo’s elephant enclosure, Elephant Creek, did not have the resources to house a male bull elephant, making breeding and natural behavior expression impossible.
Blackpool Zoo’s new facility, Project Elephant, provided the perfect home for the Twycross Zoo elephants. The £2.5m elephant habitat allowed the animals to breed and live in a larger social group, which is essential for their well-being.
The relocation process was carefully planned and executed, with the elephants undergoing positive reinforcement training to voluntarily walk into specially designed 10-tonne steel crates for transportation. This process was overseen by a specialist in elephant moving from Barcelona Zoo to ensure the animals’ welfare during the journey.
The elephants were moved two by two, with mother Noorjahan and calf Esha traveling together in a crate big enough for both. The elephant team from Twycross Zoo accompanied the elephants to Blackpool to help introduce and familiarize them with their new surroundings, ensuring a smooth and safe transfer process.
Twycross Zoo’s Commitment to Conservation
While Twycross Zoo no longer houses elephants, the zoo remains committed to conservation and providing its captive animals with the best possible care and opportunities to express natural behavior.
The zoo is home to hundreds of animals from some of the world’s most endangered species, including the only UK zoo home to all four great apes. Twycross Zoo’s dedication to conservation and animal welfare is evident in its ongoing efforts to support the long-term survival of these species.
Visiting Twycross Zoo
For zoo touring enthusiasts, Twycross Zoo remains a must-visit destination. While the elephants are now at Blackpool Zoo, the zoo’s diverse collection of animals and its commitment to conservation and education make it a rewarding experience for visitors of all ages.
When visiting Twycross Zoo, be sure to explore the various exhibits and habitats, learn about the zoo’s conservation efforts, and engage with the knowledgeable staff who are passionate about the animals in their care.
Conclusion
The relocation of the Twycross Zoo elephants to Blackpool Zoo was a difficult but necessary decision, made with the animals’ well-being in mind. While the zoo no longer houses these majestic creatures, Twycross Zoo remains a premier destination for zoo touring enthusiasts, offering a wealth of educational and conservation-focused experiences.
References:
– Blackpool Zoo Blog: Elephants Reunited at Blackpool Zoo
– BBC News: Twycross Zoo Elephants Moving to Blackpool Zoo
– Twycross Zoo: Explore Our Animals
– Nottingham Post: Elephants Leaving Twycross Zoo to Go to Blackpool Zoo
– Twycross Zoo: Twycross Zoo Elephants Are Moving Two by Two to Blackpool Zoo