Delightful images have emerged capturing the playful antics of baby elephants as they indulge in a joyous mudbath at Chester Zoo, nearly a year after the herd welcomed its newest member.
Best buddies: The calves were photographed playing, rolling and splashing about in the mud at Chester Zoo on Thursday
Family outing: The zoo welcomed its latest addition to its herd of Asian elephants earlier this year, when 20-year-old mum Sithami Hi Way gave birth to a male calf in January. His arrival came just one month after the birth of Indali Hi Way
Time for some fun! One of the baby elephants tackles another to the ground as they roll in the mud at Chester Zoo
Watching these baby elephants frolic brings to mind the playful energy of children at home – it’s a heartwarming spectacle that enthralls for hours on end, never losing its charm.
The exuberant calves were spotted rolling, splashing, and reveling in the dirt during a recent Thursday outing at the zoo.
Earlier this year, Chester Zoo celebrated the birth of a male calf to 20-year-old mother Sithami Hi Way. This addition came just one month after the arrival of Indali Hi Way and a year following the birth of half-sister Nandita Hi way.
A spokesperson for the zoo remarked, “Two births in one month is a significant milestone for our Hi Way family herd of Asian elephants. Elephants are profoundly social creatures, so this is a tremendous boost to the group.”
The birth of the new calf was met with great excitement as Sithami lovingly encouraged her newborn to stand, surrounded by the supportive herd.
Chester Zoo plays a vital role in a breeding program overseen by the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA), dedicated to conserving the elephant population in Europe.
Although smaller than their African counterparts, Asian elephants remain the largest terrestrial land mammals in Asia. However, their numbers have sharply declined over the past century due to habitat loss, poaching, disease, and human-wildlife conflict.
Mud plays a crucial role in the lives of elephants, serving as a means to regulate body temperature, fend off parasites, and protect their skin from the sun’s harsh UV rays.
Each new calf born into the herd represents a precious contribution to the breeding program, offering hope for the conservation of this endangered species.
Dr. Mark Pilgrim, CEO of Chester Zoo, expressed, “We hope that news of her arrival will generate more much-needed awareness of these incredible animals and the challenges they face for survival in the wild.”
With Chester Zoo’s unwavering commitment to conservation, efforts in India focus on mitigating human-wildlife conflicts and safeguarding Asian elephants in their natural habitat.
