Somerset zoo welcomes first elephant to new luxury habitat

What's up, it's Freddy here with some exciting news!

A Female African elephant named Buta has become the first resident of northern Europe's largest purpose-built elephant habitat - Elephant Eden at Noah's Ark Zoo Farm.

Image courtesy of Knowsley Safari Park.

Trixie and I have been waiting on this news for a while, we can't wait to go and check out the new enclosure while we're on our caravan holidays UK this summer – it looks huuuuuuge!

Buta was transported to the 20-acre habitat in North Somerset from Knowsley Safari Park after 4 months of specialist protected contact training. She will soon be joined by Nissim, a 19 year old bull from the same herd, and they'll stay for 2 years while Knowsley develops their own new elephant barn.

Former MP Anne Widdecombe was at the zoo on Friday to welcome Buta to her new home. She said: "This is a wonderful facility, this is setting a world standard.

"The elephants will have 20 acres in which they can wander freely. They've got a swimming pool, they've got a very large sandpit, they've got woods, they've got wallows and they've got willows.

"There is nothing that the elephants don't have."

Director of Noah's Ark Zoo, Anthony Bush added: "Elephant Eden is the result of five years planning, consulting, designing and finally building what we're confident will be one of the best facilities for elephants in Europe.

"We've spent considerable time speaking to experienced elephant keepers, zoo owners and experts to try to take the best bits and designs of other parks and put them together here at Noah's Ark.

"We are keen to push forward welfare improvements for all animals."

Noah's Ark Zoo Farm is just 30 minutes from Sandy Glade Holiday Park and is the perfect day out for the whole family. Tickets are priced at £15 for adults and £10 for children – under 2's can visit for free!