Harmonious first encounter with Rani and Savani

Last week, elephant Rani and her daughter Savani arrived at Hellabrunn Zoo from Leipzig Zoo. The first two days of settling in went very well – meeting the other herd members for the first time was harmonious and promising. Shortly after arriving at Hellabrunn Zoo last Tuesday, Rani and her two-year-old daughter made their first eye and trunk contact with the Hellabrunn elephants Mangala, Temi, Otto and Gajendra. The next day, the two new arrivals were given the opportunity to explore the interior of the Elephant House and then the outdoor paddock on their own.

The first direct encounter with the Hellabrunn elephant group – at least with Temi, Otto, and Mangala – followed on Thursday. First the animals met inside the Elephant House, and then later outdoors as well. Otto was initially reserved and somewhat intimidated, especially by little Savani, but over the course of the day, he gained confidence and came increasingly closer to her. However, his mum Temi remained quiet and observant, occasionally protecting her son and keeping her distance.

"We're very pleased with how things have gone so far," said Daniel Materna, team leader of the Elephant House. "All five animals are displaying balanced and sociable behaviour – a good start for the new group to bond." Now the five elephants are not only spending time together indoors and outdoors during the day, but also at night – initially under the observation of the keepers in order to be able to closely monitor their behaviour as a group. "There will certainly be one or two more encounters that will determine how the herd will be organised in the future. Mangala, as the matriarch, has taken on a very integrative role, and we are very confident that our new and old elephants will bond well together," added Materna.

The Elephant House at Hellabrunn Zoo may remain temporarily closed in the coming days, but all elephants can still be seen in the outdoor enclosure every day.