Elephant keepers name new addition to the Zoo

Chester Zoo’s new baby elephant calf, which has caused a stir of excitement among keepers and visitors alike, has been named Nayan meaning eye in Hindi.


The male calf, which was born close to midnight on Sunday 18th July, has been exploring his new home while staying close to his mother, Sithami.

The name was chosen by both the Zoo’s elephant keepers and the staff from the Assam Haathi Project, the conservation project which mitigates human elephant conflict in North East India. The project is run by Chester Zoo and EcoSystems-India.

Nandita Hazarika , Project Manager of Assam Haathi Project, who was visiting from India at the time of the birth, said:

“We are delighted to be involved in the naming of the Zoo’s new elephant calf. We worked with the elephant keepers to find a Hindi name and think Nayan is a perfect choice. As a charity, Chester Zoo funds various conservation projects abroad so by visiting the new baby elephant, visitors are helping support these projects and in doing so playing a part in conserving various animal species around the world.”

Nayan is the second calf for Sithami, 13, who is also mum to Sundara, six. Proud dad is Upali, 16.

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