Raising an elephant, a mammoth task

Zaiya, the recent elephant calf born here at Blackpool Zoo, is thriving thanks to round-the-clock supervision and nutritional support from our dedicated keepers.

A difficult birth combined with the inexperience of first-time mum Tara meant Zaiya did not begin suckling naturally. As a result, keepers took the difficult but life-saving decision to provide nutritional support in the most effective way possible, despite the logistical challenges that lay ahead.

Every two hours, keepers open a specially designed port leading to a secure calf area adjacent to the herd. When she’s ready, Zaiya makes her way through to receive a bottle of specialised elephant milk.  

After she has had her fill, she returns to the herd in her own time. This approach allows the team to safely provide the nutritional support needed with minimal impact on the herd’s behaviour and development.

Throughout the process, Mum Tara and the other females remain in close proximity, enabling them to keep an eye on Zaiya or physically reassure her if needed, which maintains the crucial bond and protective instincts that are key elements in any elephant family.

At seven weeks old she is gaining weight and displaying a whole host of natural behaviours. She is inquisitive, playful and learning everything she needs to know about life as an elephant from her mum and ‘allomothers’ or aunts.

Adam Kenyon, Section Manager here at Blackpool Zoo, said: “Complex social structures within elephant herds mean that all females communally care for the young, which is vital for both the development of the calves and that of younger or less experienced females.

“The team continues to work with extreme dedication and commitment, putting their own lives on hold to ensure Zaiya and the herd get the support and nutrition that is vital to her health and development.

“Although our role in providing Zaiya with nutritional support is crucial, it is minimal in comparison to the role of the herd. We are privileged to witness the elephants naturally caring and raising Zaiya whilst watching her grow, it’s the point where zookeeping exceeds being a job; it’s a way of life.   

“Despite continued efforts to facilitate the natural nursing process, Zaiya has not yet successfully suckled from Mum. However, due to the design of the facility and strategic planning, she is able to remain with the herd, receive support from the team and develop naturally.”

Darren Webster, Blackpool Zoo Director, said: “Zaiya’s journey is a true testament to the experience and knowledge of our elephant care team. Their round-the-clock commitment quite literally saved her life.

“They are supporting her nutritional needs while keeping her fully integrated with her mum and the herd, which is vital. We are incredibly proud of the team and their unwavering dedication.”

Visitors can see Zaiya at Project Elephant Base Camp between the hours of 11.30am and 3.30pm daily.