Rani and Savani: New home in the Munich Tierpark Hellabrunn!

Rani and Savani: New home in the Munich Tierpark Hellabrunn!

The Hellabrunn zoo in Munich has received a new, exciting increase: 15 -year -old elephant lady Rani and her two -year -old daughter Savani moved from the Leipzig Zoo a few weeks ago. This decision was made due to tensions between Rani and other elephants in their previous herd. In particular, the relationship with the Leitkuh Kewa was difficult, which ultimately led to a recommendation of the European Conservation Breeding Program (EEP) to bring Rani and Savani into a new environment. The transport on May 20, 2025 went smoothly and under supervision of familiar nurses, who ensured that the two elephants can feel comfortable at their new place of residence, reports Thuringia24.

Rani and Savani seem to settle quickly in their new home. The acclimatization takes place carefully in calm stages, while the zoo team closely observes the two. Rani already has the opportunity to take care of her two newborn step siblings, which strengthens her important binding behavior, because all cows are responsible for the young animals in herds of elephant. The animals were integrated into the Hellabrunner elephant group, consisting of Otto, Temi, Mangala and Gajendra, whereby Otto pays special attention to the new females. The MDR documentary soap "Elefant, Tiger & Co" documents this exciting process. In the latest episode, which was broadcast on June 6, 2025, it shows how Bulle Otto approaches the new female, which is certainly an emotional highlight for the audience.

A look into the future

The Munich nurses have big plans: they hope that Rani, who is only 15 years old, will one day play an important role in the breeding of future elephants. Bulle Gajendra already shows interest in her, and the nurses wished that one day Rani would become grandmother when Savani has his own offspring. This perspective is particularly important because the EEP has been pursuing herd planning for Asian elephants for several years. This is to ensure that the herds remain stable and increased.

Overall, the changeover for Rani and Savani is a big step. While you get used to your new environment, you are closely looked after by animal care, so that a careful integration into the elephant herd can take place. It remains to be seen how relationships within the group and future breeding will develop, but the signs are good and the nurses are confident. The new season of "ELEFANT, Tiger & Co" is broadcast every Friday at 7:50 p.m. in the MDR and in the ARD media library.

It is important to follow the further developments around Rani and Savani. The Hellabrunn zoo has not only taken care of the well -being of the elephants, but also about their future breeding opportunities - an exciting time for the animal kingdom in Munich!