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Munich is happy: Elephant mom Rani and daughter Savani are here!
Rani and Savani, elephant cows from Leipzig Zoo, were relocated to Hellabrunn in Munich. Read more about their move and settling in.
Munich is happy: Elephant mom Rani and daughter Savani are here!
Rani and Savani – two elephants who recently found a new home in the heart of Munich. On May 20, 2025, the 15-year-old elephant Rani and her two-year-old daughter Savani were brought from Leipzig to Munich to the Hellabrunn Zoo in a special transporter. A smooth transport led the two Asian elephants to their new home, where they had plenty of time to explore their new quarters in peace after their arrival. Trusted carers accompanied them and were available for the first few days to provide a sense of security as the two slowly adjusted. Thuringia24 reports that the elephants were handed over on the recommendation of the European Endangered Species Program (EEP).
But why this move? The integration of Rani into the existing herd in Leipzig, under the strict hierarchy of lead cow Kewa, was not optimal in the long term. Tensions between Rani and the other elephants, particularly Kewa and Astra, led to frequent separations from the herd, endangering the animals' quality of life. Rani and Savani are now supposed to build their own matriline in Munich - a promising prospect for the two, who are now surrounded by other elephants again.
A new home in Hellabrunn
Hellabrunn Zoo warmly welcomes Rani and Savani. Zoo director Rasem Baban personally received the two elephants and emphasized the importance of this transport for the herd structure and species protection. “We are very happy to have Rani and Savani here,” said Baban. The move is not only important for the two elephants, but also part of a larger plan to bring together different herds in zoos in the long term and preserve genetic diversity.
The new Munich keepers are already making sure that the elephants feel comfortable in their new home. This integration is done very carefully: Rani and Savani are gradually introduced to the existing elephants Otto, Temi, Mangala and Gajendra. In order to make this phase as smooth as possible, the elephant house is temporarily closed to visitors.
A look into the future
What do the carers hope for the future of Rani and Savani? Much of the anticipation lies in the fact that Rani will soon have offspring of her own again. Bull Gajendra is already showing interest in the young elephant, and the keepers dream that Rani could one day become a grandmother once Savani has children of her own. The new herd in Hellabrunn could soon be growing.
The female elephant Rani and her daughter Savani have settled into their new life well and their integration into the Hellabrunn elephant group will soon be brought closer to viewers in the new season of the MDR documentary soap “Elephant, Tiger & Co”. Episode 1131, which premiered on June 6th, offers a look behind the scenes. The new episodes air every Friday at 7:50 p.m. so all animal lovers can prepare for exciting adventures as the young elephant herd members find their place in the new community.
It seems as if Rani and Savani are not only in Munich, but also in the hearts of visitors Welcome should be called. Their new phase of life is not only a benefit for both of them, but also for species conservation and the exciting work that is done in a modern zoo.
The Hellabrunn elephant herd is also part of an international conservation breeding program that ensures that these majestic animals have a future, not only in Munich but around the world - in a natural environment. With Rani and Savani, the Munich herd will also actively support the Bukit Tigapuluh landscape protection program in Sumatra. A committed initiative that has an impact far beyond Germany’s borders Hellabrunn.