Chester Zoo recently captured the hearts of visitors with charming photos of its baby elephants enjoying a joyful mudbath. This playful scene unfolded nearly a year after the herd welcomed a new member.
On Thursday, the energetic calves played, rolled, and splashed around in the mud, showcasing their playful nature.
Earlier this year, the zoo celebrated the birth of a male calf to 20-year-old mother Sithami Hi Way, marking a significant addition to the Asian elephant herd.
This new arrival followed closely on the heels of another calf, Indali Hi Way, born just a month prior. The family has grown over the past year, including the birth of half-sister Nandita HiWay.
In a statement, the zoo highlighted the significance of these births, noting, “Two births in one month is momentous for our Hi Way family herd of Asian elephants. Elephants are hugely sociable animals, which greatly boosts the group.”
Sithami’s maternal instincts were displayed as she gave birth on deep, soft sand. Instantly, she stimulated her calf, encouraging him to rise by kicking the sand around him.
The rest of the herd gathered excitedly, assisting him within minutes—a heartwarming sight for onlookers.
Chester Zoo is part of a breeding program organized by the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA), which aims to sustain the European elephant population.
This initiative plays a vital role in promoting the health and welfare of these magnificent creatures.
