A Kent wildlife park has given an update on what the future holds for a herd of <a href="https://absafricatv9491.live-website.com/drcs-ebola-spreading-across-central-africa/” title=”DRC's Ebola Spreading Across Central Africa |”>African elephants that are now due to stay in the county “indefinitely”.
Howletts Wild Animal Park had previously shared plans for its herd of 12 to leave the site and be rewilded to Africa.
However, the trust and its charity partners say they were unable to identify a suitable project that could accept the “close family” of African elephants.
As such, the animals will remain at the wildlife centre, found near Littlebourne just outside of Canterbury.
The Howletts team has said they are now turning their full attention to the elephants’ welfare and confirmed plans to expand its enclosures and facilities. Proposals have been submitted to Canterbury City Council (CCC) for a new elephant house and associated facilities.
The plans include a 3,300m2 purpose-built elephant house and 10,000m2 of additional outdoor habitat, bringing the total elephant space to 41,000m2 (approximately 10 acres). It would also include upgraded pools, wallows, dusting areas, outdoor shelters and large indoor sand areas, all designed by the park’s animal team.
It is hoped that the upgraded facilities would give the multi-generational herd more freedom to move between paddocks and express their natural social behaviours.
This project would also mark the creation of an expanded Elephant Village, where visitors would be able to meet expert keepers and rangers, learn about each member of the herd, adopt an elephant, and donate to the project.
Tony Kelly, Managing Director, Howletts Wild Animal Park, said: “This is the most significant investment in the history of our elephant programme, and it reflects our long-term commitment to the welfare of this incredible herd.
“Through elephant adoptions and donations, people can help create an outstanding new home for the herd while learning more about these remarkable animals and the conservation work they support.”
