Noah's Ark Welcomes Two New Elephants in Support of International Conservation

We are excited to announce two very special new arrivals on the 12th May, - as part of a carefully coordinated collaboration with Howletts Wild Animal Park and the International breeding programme (known as an EEP).

Fifteen-year-old bulls Impi and Mchumba, known for their playful and cheeky personalities, have swapped Kent for North Somerset as they take their next big step into independence. Their move reflects the natural life cycle of male elephants, who leave their maternal family herds during adolescence and join bachelor groups as they mature.

This milestone not only mirrors elephant behaviour in the wild but also helps support the long-term conservation and welfare of the species across Europe.

Here at Noah’s Ark we are home to the UK’s only dedicated bachelor group for African elephants, providing a purpose-built environment where young males can learn, socialise and grow. Set within the largest elephant habitat in Northern Europe, our 20-acre space includes expansive grasslands, sand yards, a large pool, indoor heated facilities and even a willow plantation - giving elephants the freedom to roam, interact and develop naturally. This is an essential part of the conservation breeding programme.

For Impi and Mchumba, Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm is the ideal place to find their feet as they begin the next chapter of their development, alongside other bulls. Tom Lindley, our Lead Elephant Keeper at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, said: “Impi and Mchumba are full of character and we’re really excited to have them join the group. This is a big moment for them – moving away from their family group and into a bachelor group reflects exactly what we would expect to see in the wild.

Our oldest bull Janu will help guide them as they settle in. These groups are constantly evolving, and it’s incredible to watch the younger elephants learn and grow over time.”

As part of this elephant transfer, our resident bull Shaka has moved to Howletts Wild Animal Park, where he will take on the role of dominant male within an established mixed herd.

A confident and impressive bull, Shaka will play an important role in helping to maintain stability within the group, regulating social interactions and strengthening the social dynamics of the group.

Chris Wilkinson, Curator at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, said: “Bachelor facilities like ours are essential for the sustainable management of male elephants within the EEP, allowing young bulls to develop in a way that closely reflects their natural behaviour. Shaka’s move marks a significant moment in his journey. He has grown into a striking, dominant bull during his time here, and leaving the bachelor group is a natural progression for him now.

Howletts is already home to one of the UK’s largest elephant herds, with further investment and development of the elephant facilities planned. We look forward to seeing the habitat develop further and the role Shaka will play within that setting.”

Both moves have been planned in close collaboration between the two organisations, with experienced teams ensuring the highest standards of care and welfare throughout.

Dr Arne Lawrenz from the EEP explained “Bachelor elephant groups such as the one at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm play a vital role in the international breeding programme (EEP). They provide a positive social environment for adolescent male elephants, who need to move on from their maternal herd, closely reflecting natural behaviour in the wild. This in turn enables these young bull elephants to grow and develop to full maturity at which point they can play their part in breeding groups as dominant males.”

Visitors to Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm will be able to see Impi and Mchumba settling into their new environment from May half term, as the next exciting chapter of the bachelor group begins.

Read more about our African Elephants here!