On May 6, 2024, our Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) named Shanti celebrates his birthday. He is turning 16 years old!

Shanti was born in 2008 in Hannover Zoo. He arrived at Mykolaiv Zoo from Hungary on November 10, 2019, but not alone, but with his friend Dinkar. The animals were transferred under the European Endangered Species Programme. It should be noted that herds consisting of bachelor elephants are a common phenomenon in nature. Zoos also practice maintaining not only family groups of elephants, which include females with cubs, but also male groups.

Before Mykolaiv Zoo received these giants from international partners, a lot of work was done on the reconstruction of the complex of enclosures in order for them to meet the accepted standards. The area of the summer enclosure for elephants was significantly increased, premises were built for veterinary examination and necessary manipulations, new equipment was installed, a canopy from the sun was equipped, various "toys" were made for animals – logs on chains, a large bell, in which our elephants love to call. In 2022, despite all the difficulties of the war period, a major reconstruction of the large pool was carried out so that the animals could bathe. Educational visibility was also installed, a pedestrian bridge was equipped, and our visitors have the opportunity to observe the elephants not only from the ground level, but also from a height.

You can see the birthday boy Shanti and his friend Dinkar in our photos, or by coming to Mykolaiv Zoo!