Zoo Atlanta welcomes Titan the African elephant to Savannah habitat

Titan the African elephant (Sedgwick County Zoo)

Zoo Atlanta has a new addition to its animal family, and he weighs over four tons!

Titan, a 16-year-old adult male African elephant, arrived in Atlanta on Wednesday from Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita, Kansas.

Big picture view:

Titan was born in Eswatini and rescued as part of an international effort to save elephants suffering from life-threatening drought conditions in the African country.

He spent his juvenile years at the Kansas zoo but is now old enough to leave his herd.

The zoo said Titan's move to Atlanta was recommended by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Elephant Species Survival Plan® (SSP), who wanted to building on the social dynamics in the Zoo Atlanta's herd.

Right now, the herd includes adult male Msholo and adult females Kelly and Tara, who are both in their 40s.

What they're saying:

"We are very excited to welcome Titan to the elephant herd at Zoo Atlanta, where he will benefit from the daily stewardship of a world-class Elephant Care Team and an environment that represents the most significant transformation in Zoo Atlanta history," said Raymond B. King, President and CEO. "Our hope is that in getting to know Titan as he becomes a new part of the herd here at the Zoo, our Members and guests will have renewed reasons to join us in protecting African elephants, which have a very uncertain future without conservation action."

What's next:

Titan will spend the next weeks getting acclimated to Zoo Atlanta's African Savanna elephant complex and get to know the Msholo, Kelly, and Tara.

Officials have not said when Titan will be visible to guests and members.

The Source: Information for this story came from a release by Zoo Atlanta.

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