We’re absolutely thrilled to introduce you to the newest member of our African reserve family – Elsie, a beautiful eland calf who arrived on the 6th of July!
Elsie’s keepers chose her name, and we think it suits her perfectly. You can already spot her tottering around the drive-thru reserve, sticking close to her mum for comfort and safety as she gets used to her big new world.
If you’ve never seen an eland up close, here’s a fun fact: they’re the largest species of antelope in the world! Elsie’s got some serious growing to do – adult eland can stand over 5 feet tall at the shoulder. So, she’s got a big journey ahead of her.
One way to easily pick out our eland is by the distinctive black patches on the backs of their knees – a handy natural marker that sets them apart from our other antelope. Keep your eyes peeled for that when you’re exploring the reserve!
Recently, Elsie had her very first vaccine and was fitted with her ear tag – and she was as good as gold throughout the whole process! Our keepers were so proud of how calm and brave she was. It’s all part of helping her stay healthy as she grows up strong and happy here with us.
If you’re planning a visit soon, be sure to bring your camera and keep a lookout for Elsie – she’s already a little star in the making. Follow us on social media for more updates on her adventures as she grows up right here with us.
Welcome to the world, Elsie – we can’t wait to watch you grow!
