Best UK African Elephant enclosure Reboot

[felis silvestris]

This is just a bit of fun to judge the general consensus on the best enclosure for African Elephants in the UK. I have added a few photos from the gallery to make it easier for members to compare the different exhibits. If anyone wants to make an argument for a particular enclosure, please feel free to do so. Also, I would encourage people to list the enclosures in order of what they think is best.

I decided to put the safari park exhibits in here too because they aren't real drive through enclosures and are relatively similar to the zoo enclosures.

If there are any outdated photos, collections that no longer hold them or people have photos for exhibits not in the gallery or with poor photos please let me know.

Howletts

@MagpieGoose

WMSP

@MagpieGoose

Colchester

@Maguari

@twilighter

Blair Drummond

@felis silvestris

@felis silvestris

Noah's Ark

@TNT

@MagpieGoose

 

[Kalaw]

I have seen three out of the five (Colchester, Howletts and Noah's Ark), and although Howletts deserves credit for maintaining such a large herd with a great breeding record in an excellent series of paddocks (let down somewhat by its small and offshow indoor area) and West Midland, which I haven't seen in person, looks great too, for me there is only one option here, and that is Noah's Ark.

It is is the largest elephant enclosure in Northern Europe and second largest in all of Europe (presumably after Cabarceno?) at 8 hectares (20 acres), which also means that the grass is well-maintained as the elephants don't exactly have the time to demolish all of it! The larger of the two enclosures (housing the largest bulls, Shaka and Janu, and just about visible in the background of the image above) is also very cleverly positioned on a hill that gets higher as the elephants get further away, so as to ensure that distance does not impact viewing. It currently serves solely as a bachelor group, which I will admit seems like something of a waste (a herd will look remarkable in this space), but there can be no denying the vital role which such groups play in the EEP.

My favourite feature of 'Elephant Eden' is also the most underappreciated, and one that some zoo enthusiasts don't even seem to notice - the willow plantation. Completely unique among zoos in the UK, the elephants at Noah's Ark have, on certain days, access to a small forest of willow, aspen and poplar. Sadly, it is very difficult to get close enough to view it, although on my most recent visit I was able to get great views of Shaka and Janu emerging in and out of the trees in the distance, but according to the website it covers an absurd 5,000 square metres (1.2 acres), larger than some zoo's entire elephant enclosures. There is also a very deep pool with amphitheatre-like viewing and a selection of excellent hanging feeders (a variety of complex feeding stations has been proven to be a vital part of elephant enrichment, I believe), for one of the very best elephant enclosures in the world.

@TNT - the elephant pool

@zoogiraffe - a view towards the elephant enclosure in the distance that does well to show the aforementioned hill

 

[Lafone]

I’ve only seen two (Colchester and Noah’s) but I’d agree with Kalaw on the Noah’s Ark front. While it’s not all viewable close up by visitors it’s an impressive space with a variety of different areas for the elephants to explore and enrichment for them to use. It creates some excellent vistas to appreciate the elephants in the landscape too.

Thought I’d add to the excellent summary by Kalaw as
This video from 2022 shows some of the willow plantation.

 

[Benosaurus]

WMSP's African elephant facility is the newest of those on the list, but for me it is such a massive disappointment. They had the opportunity to create something huge and spectacular, that continued the notably naturalistic theme/backdrop of the old area, but they've ended up with 3 smallish paddocks (the total area being roughly the same size as the old areas) that are surrounded by some really ugly fencing.

The only improvement is the house (which was desperately needed for a very long time) and the pool.

 

[SSLees]

WMSP's African elephant facility is the newest of those on the list, but for me it is such a massive disappointment. They had the opportunity to create something huge and spectacular, that continued the notably naturalistic theme/backdrop of the old area, but they've ended up with 3 smallish paddocks (the total area being roughly the same size as the old areas) that are surrounded by some really ugly fencing.

The only improvement is the house (which was desperately needed for a very long time) and the pool.

As someone who works at WMSP, I have to agree regarding the fences

It is an improvement from their last paddock (now called the Borderlands housing Asian hoofstock like Camels and Deer) in regards to the house and now being able to walk up to see it.
But the fences really stick out like a sore thumb against the lodges African theme, my guess is they were trying to theme the elephant proof fences after the rustic theme you see in African towns? But it clashes badly with the rest of the paddock.
Which is a shame because being to see them that close now especially when feeding is amazing.

Personally, I haven't seen the other ones. Only other elephant paddock I've seen in person is Blackpool Zoo's elephant paddock (which of course is Asian Elephants).
But from the images I've seen above. I like Noah's Ark for the outside paddock. But I prefer Colchester for the indoor housing.

Really need to visit Noah's Ark at some point

 

[Kalaw]

As someone who works at WMSP, I have to agree regarding the fences

It is an improvement from their last paddock (now called the Borderlands housing Asian hoofstock like Camels and Deer) in regards to the house and now being able to walk up to see it.
But the fences really stick out like a sore thumb against the lodges African theme, my guess is they were trying to theme the elephant proof fences after the rustic theme you see in African towns? But it clashes badly with the rest of the paddock.
Which is a shame because being to see them that close now especially when feeding is amazing.

Personally, I haven't seen the other ones. Only other elephant paddock I've seen in person is Blackpool Zoo's elephant paddock (which of course is Asian Elephants).
But from the images I've seen above. I like Noah's Ark for the outside paddock. But I prefer Colchester for the indoor housing.

Really need to visit Noah's Ark at some point

Personally, I thought the indoors was the weakest area of Colchester’s exhibit, with its very shallow substrate, dark lighting, and small size of certain stalls. Certainly prefer the barn at Noah’s Ark, which is enormous and the image provided really doesn’t do it justice. Both are much better than the one at Howletts, however.

All that said (and I am solely judging from images here, as I have never visited) the one that would appear to offer the best indoors from the photos attached may well be Blair Drummond. Difficult to get a sense of the size of it, but the thickness of the substrate, wide variety of feeders, multitude of separation options and good aesthetics (good lighting and use of logs for walls) is very impressive. Would be interested to hear from someone who has visited the collection if they would agree, but for me it is easily second or third place in this poll (behind Noah’s Ark and perhaps also Howletts).

 

[SSLees]

Personally, I thought the indoors was the weakest area of Colchester’s exhibit, with its very shallow substrate, dark lighting, and small size of certain stalls. Certainly prefer the barn at Noah’s Ark, which is enormous and the image provided really doesn’t do it justice. Both are much better than the one at Howletts, however.

All that said (and I am solely judging from images here, as I have never visited) the one that would appear to offer the best indoors from the photos attached may well be Blair Drummond. Difficult to get a sense of the size of it, but the thickness of the substrate, wide variety of feeders, multitude of separation options and good aesthetics (good lighting and use of logs for walls) is very impressive. Would be interested to hear from someone who has visited the collection if they would agree, but for me it is easily second or third place in this poll (behind Noah’s Ark and perhaps also Howletts).

Yeah, ideally more images or being there in person would be helpful deciding. But I can see what you mean. You don't appreciate how big they are until you're there in person.

 

[cerperal]

I think the overarching point to be made by this thread is how underrepresented African elephants are in the UK. I admit I haven't visited any of the collections, so I'm not voting - but based on the images, Noah's Ark certainly seems to be the best on offer. But even then, I don't think it's a superlative exhibit, of which I'm not actually certain there currently are any in Europe for the species. All exhibits seem to cater to the animal's needs, some more than others but none look bad.

I suppose it's natural to make a comparison to Asian elephants, of which the gold standard is certainly Whipsnade and that isn't a particularly fair comparison where no other zoo in the country has the sheer space ZSL does. With Howletts eventually going out of them (grumble grumble) hopefully more collections are able to start housing them and the ones that currently do either upgrade the current housing (I know Colchester plans to) or in the case of Noah's Ark gains a larger herd.

That said, I think all exhibits are better than the one I saw in Vienna last year, and the elephants certainly seemed happy there (plus the breeding record suggests so). I do hope Longleat bring them back, as I would imagine the oodles of space they have would provide an excellent modern enclosure.

P.S. I'm glad these polls are back. I thoroughly enjoy the discussion that they cause

 

[SSLees]

I think the overarching point to be made by this thread is how underrepresented African elephants are in the UK. I admit I haven't visited any of the collections, so I'm not voting - but based on the images, Noah's Ark certainly seems to be the best on offer. But even then, I don't think it's a superlative exhibit, of which I'm not actually certain there currently are any in Europe for the species. All exhibits seem to cater to the animal's needs, some more than others but none look bad.

I suppose it's natural to make a comparison to Asian elephants, of which the gold standard is certainly Whipsnade and that isn't a particularly fair comparison where no other zoo in the country has the sheer space ZSL does. With Howletts eventually going out of them (grumble grumble) hopefully more collections are able to start housing them and the ones that currently do either upgrade the current housing (I know Colchester plans to) or in the case of Noah's Ark gains a larger herd.

That said, I think all exhibits are better than the one I saw in Vienna last year, and the elephants certainly seemed happy there (plus the breeding record suggests so). I do hope Longleat bring them back, as I would imagine the oodles of space they have would provide an excellent modern enclosure.

P.S. I'm glad these polls are back. I thoroughly enjoy the discussion that they cause

You really don't see them as often in UK collections compared to their Asian cousins. Which is a big shame given they are the largest land animal. You could argue it is due to them either being harder to train or being more aggressive than an Asian Elephant. Though you don't really get any more aggressive than a bull elephant from either species in musth. So Noah's Ark has really got to be careful with their bachelor herd

But you do have a valid point, most zoos just don't have the space required for African Elephants where as their Asian cousins can do fine with less space, yes they still need a lot of room, but not to extent an African does.

Honestly, I would be all for Longleat bringing them back given they hundreds of acres of space to create a paddock for. Or even take them for walks around the estate like they used to do in the now Eland and Bongo area.

 

[Kalaw]

I think the overarching point to be made by this thread is how underrepresented African elephants are in the UK. I admit I haven't visited any of the collections, so I'm not voting - but based on the images, Noah's Ark certainly seems to be the best on offer. But even then, I don't think it's a superlative exhibit, of which I'm not actually certain there currently are any in Europe for the species. All exhibits seem to cater to the animal's needs, some more than others but none look bad.

I haven't seen it in person, but surely the enclosure at Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabarceno in Spain matches that description:

@SivatheriumGuy

@Maguari

Not sure exactly how big it is, but the zoo claims that it is bigger than the entirety of Zoo Madrid, which would put it at a minimum of 22 hectares (54 acres), nearly triple the size of the Noah's Ark exhibit.

Irrelevant to the discussion at hand here, given that, as you say, they are separate species, but in my opinion, the African enclosure at Noah's Ark is far better than the elephant enclosure at Whipsnade and indeed any enclosure that I have seen for any elephant species barring only Zurich with its Asians.

You really don't see them as often in UK collections compared to their Asian cousins. Which is a big shame given they are the largest land animal. You could argue it is due to them either being harder to train or being more aggressive than an Asian Elephant. Though you don't really get any more aggressive than a bull elephant from either species in musth. So Noah's Ark has really got to be careful with their bachelor herd

Unfortunately, its a little too late - in 2021, bull elephant M'Changa was killed by one of this roommates (understandably, the zoo did not disclose which one it was). I am not sure if either elephant was in musth at the time, but it seems likely.

 

[SSLees]

Unfortunately, its a little too late - in 2021, bull elephant M'Changa was killed by one of this roommates (understandably, the zoo did not disclose which one it was). I am not sure if either elephant was in musth at the time, but it seems likely.

Oh god, I honestly had no idea that even happened. I am so sorry for even bringing that up.

 

[cerperal]

I haven't seen it in person, but surely the enclosure at Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabarceno in Spain matches that description:

@SivatheriumGuy

@Maguari

Not sure exactly how big it is, but the zoo claims that it is bigger than the entirety of Zoo Madrid, which would put it at a minimum of 22 hectares (54 acres), nearly triple the size of the Noah's Ark exhibit.

Irrelevant to the discussion at hand here, given that, as you say, they are separate species, but in my opinion, the African enclosure at Noah's Ark is far better than the elephant enclosure at Whipsnade and indeed any enclosure that I have seen for any elephant species barring only Zurich with its Asians.

Indeed it would - shows how little I know about the Spanish collections. Elephants are one of the species (along with most large mammals) that can only benefit from having more space, both in terms of husbandry and viewing - a quick Google is giving over 50 acres, which would be a sight to behold. So Parque de la Naturaleza seems like a perfect exhibit, but also understandably helped by geography that isn't particularly present in our little island.

Again I haven't visited Noah's Ark (embarrassing, given it's fairly local) but I would contend from images that it provides a better exhibit than Whipsnade's, given the Whipsnade house is truly state-of-the-art, 10 acres larger (only when talking about the main paddocks as well), and is planned for expansion. However as you say it's fairly irrelevant to discuss given they're different species, and both are more than sufficient for housing herds.

 

[Kalaw]

Again I haven't visited Noah's Ark (embarrassing, given it's fairly local) but I would contend from images that it provides a better exhibit than Whipsnade's, given the Whipsnade house is truly state-of-the-art, 10 acres larger (only when talking about the main paddocks as well), and is planned for expansion. However as you say it's fairly irrelevant to discuss given they're different species, and both are more than sufficient for housing herds.

10 acres larger? Although I can't find any measurements online for the size of Whipsnade's paddocks, a quick use of the Google Maps area calculator tool reveals a size of 2.2 hectares (5.4 acres) for Whipsnade, compared to 6.7 hectares (16.5 acres) for Noah's Ark, so it is in fact the latter which can claim to be ten acres larger! Most sources give 8 hectares (20 acres) for Noah's, although this appears to be a slight exaggeration.

 

[cerperal]

10 acres larger? Although I can't find any measurements online for the size of Whipsnade's paddocks, a quick use of the Google Maps area calculator tool reveals a size of 2.2 hectares (5.4 acres) for Whipsnade, compared to 6.7 hectares (16.5 acres) for Noah's Ark, so it is in fact the latter which can claim to be ten acres larger! Most sources give 8 hectares (20 acres) for Noah's, although this appears to be a slight exaggeration.

So, a further bit of googling might clear this up - the values quoted by both Noah's Ark and ZSL, 20 and 30 acres respectively, appear to be the maximum area that could potentially be given to the elephants at any given time. In the case of Whipsnade I'd assume this is the woodland and fields the other side of Passage Through Asia, which I'm not even sure has been used for the past decade or so but theoretically I guess could be. The main Whipsnade paddock is a little over 5 acres, or 3 when split into the larger and smaller one (not including the bull paddock). I reckon Noah's Ark saying 20 acres might just be a slightly generous rounding error (nothing wrong with that) so it would appear that you are quite correct - Noah's Ark is significantly larger. Goes to show you shouldn't make sweeping statements without visiting places, and given how impressive the Whipsnade paddock seems Noah's Ark must be pretty incredible for the elephants. It does seem a shame then that Noah's Ark doesn't seem to intend to house a breeding herd.

 

[Lafone]

Having seen both I'd say Noah's ark has a more impressive outside space, though Whipsnade's is well designed in terms of different areas for the elephants to use.

Noah's Ark is considerably larger, both map wise (which includes the off show areas) but also in person. It's worth considering too that Whipsnades's area for the bull elephant is far smaller than the main paddock for the rest of the herd, though still a decent size.

The housing complex on the other hand appears better at Whipsnade though both are of a high standard.

The enclosure at Whipsnade is more viewer friendly in my opinion as it has the fence and grass moat allowing clearer views of the elephants while they make the most of their enclosure - that makes it feel larger in some places than Noah's ark which presents the elephants though a fence (when they are reasonably close up). Not that the elephants would care about that of course.

 

[Rajang-GOAT]

So, a further bit of googling might clear this up - the values quoted by both Noah's Ark and ZSL, 20 and 30 acres respectively, appear to be the maximum area that could potentially be given to the elephants at any given time. In the case of Whipsnade I'd assume this is the woodland and fields the other side of Passage Through Asia, which I'm not even sure has been used for the past decade or so but theoretically I guess could be. The main Whipsnade paddock is a little over 5 acres, or 3 when split into the larger and smaller one (not including the bull paddock). I reckon Noah's Ark saying 20 acres might just be a slightly generous rounding error (nothing wrong with that) so it would appear that you are quite correct - Noah's Ark is significantly larger. Goes to show you shouldn't make sweeping statements without visiting places, and given how impressive the Whipsnade paddock seems Noah's Ark must be pretty incredible for the elephants. It does seem a shame then that Noah's Ark doesn't seem to intend to house a breeding herd.

I agree with you on the amazing quality of Elephant Eden at Noah's Ark, but in reply to your last comment I believe the enclosure was built with housing a breeding herd of Asian Elephants in mind (I'm sure someone else can verify this?) Their current bachelor setup that they have evolved into seems to be down to the individuals they have been able to receive over time, however it remains a very good exhibit and makes use of the space despite this and they have now received two additional young males in the space of a year.

 

[Pertinax]

, but in reply to your last comment I believe the enclosure was built with housing a breeding herd of Asian Elephants in mind (I'm sure someone else can verify this?) Their current bachelor setup that they have evolved into seems to be down to the individuals they have been able to receive over time, however it remains a very good exhibit and makes use of the space despite this and they have now received two additional young males in the space of a year.

That's correct afaik. I saw artwork and text there depicting a breeding group of Asian Elephants at one stage. The African males they have ended up with are the elephants that were available- naturally zoos are more ready to send away surplus young males than breeding individuals. Their first elephant was in fact an older African cow 'Buta' from (was it) Knowsley SP but she died not a long time after moving there. Its been surplus bulls since.

 

[Prochilodus246]

It was indeed Buta, I believe she passed away in 2015. The elephant database lists heart failure as her cause of death. The surplus bulls, M'changa & Janu appear to arrived a couple of months after Buta's death.

 

[Benosaurus]

@felis silvestris I think it would be interesting that whenever you announce the results of any of these reboot polls, that you also mention which of the exhibits are new/improved and also list the results of the previous poll for the species. This might help show us the impact, if any, that the new/improved exhibits have had.

 

[felis silvestris]

@felis silvestris I think it would be interesting that whenever you announce the results of any of these reboot polls, that you also mention which of the exhibits are new/improved and also list the results of the previous poll for the species. This might help show us the impact, if any, that the new/improved exhibits have had.

Okay, I’ll do that for my next thread, Asian Elephants.