This baby elephant arrived a few days early and surprised its keepers.
The calf about to be named is Jama’s first offspring with the father Coco, and this is also the first calf for him since he arrived at Howletts Aspinall Wild Animal Park three years ago.
The elephant showed up on Monday morning after being gestated for 20 months.
Adrian Harland, director of animal care, said: “We thought he would be arriving later than he did.”
“Obviously, we are all absolutely thrilled that the little calf has gotten used to his new home, and the herd is giving him plenty of affection with attention.”
The herd is seen walking a bit slower than usual to ensure the baby elephant can keep up, but the video shows he is eager to explore.
With the new addition, Howletts Wild Animal Park in Bekesbourne, near Canterbury, has joined the ranks of the largest herd in the country and will now be home to 13 elephants.
The newborn baby weighed in at about 120kg, and with its strong development, it will be able to grow as much as six tonnes.
