Elephants Rani and Savani's New Home in Hellabrunn: Adjustment Process Detailed
Two Asian elephants, 15-year-old Rani and her two-year-old daughter Savani, have joined Munich's Hellabrunn Zoo, transferring from Leipzig Zoo, as of Tuesday afternoon. The relocation was carried out using a low-loader and a crane, and the initial interactions were somewhat uncertain, given the sensitivity of integrating newcomers into an established herd.
However, after two days, the zoo is optimistic about the progress so far. On Tuesday, Rani, Savani, and the existing Hellabrunn elephants—Mangala, Temi, Otto, and Gajendra—first made visual and auditory contact, with initial explorations of the indoor and outdoor facilities following on Wednesday.
The first direct encounters took place on Thursday, with the existing group and the newcomers meeting both inside and outside the enclosure. Remarkably, the interactions went smoothly and showed promise, especially for the matriarch Mangala, who displayed interest and sociability. The young elephant Otto, initially reserved, gradually approached Savani. Temi, the calm and observant member, kept her distance and at times protected her son.
The animals are expected to spend nights together in the coming days, with staff keeping a close watch on their behavior to monitor the new herd dynamic. Daniel Materna, elephant house keeper and team leader, expressed satisfaction with the current progress, expressing confidence in the new and old elephants cohabitating amicably.
While further encounters may need to occur to negotiate the herd's future structure, visitors can continue to observe the elephants daily on the outdoor facilities. As of May 2025, no specific updates on Rani and Savani's social integration within Hellabrunn's herd have been publicly reported. Checking official communication channels or contacting Hellabrunn Zoo staff directly would provide the most accurate and current details.
In the coming days, the elephants are anticipated to share the same sleeping quarters, fostering continued growth in their new lifestyle within Hellabrunn Zoo. Meanwhile, pet lovers and home-and-garden enthusiasts might take inspiration from the progress of Rani and Savani, as their harmonious integration highlights the potential for diversity and adaptation in social structures, be it in a zoo or at home.
