Zoo Duisburg relocates three elephants to Poland

Three African elephants—Saiwa, Etosha, and Daisy—have been relocated from Zoo Duisburg in Germany to Zoo Poznań in Poland. The transfer, which took place on September 8, involved a complex logistical operation using cranes and specialized transport boxes to move the animals approximately 800 kilometers.

The decision follows recommendations from the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP). Zoo Duisburg noted that its current facilities no longer meet the long-term requirements for elephant housing, and a significant expansion or new construction would be necessary to continue hosting them. The three females, aged between 35 and 41, are moving together to maintain their social bonds.

Upon arrival in Poznań, the elephants joined two existing residents, Kizi and Ninio, bringing the local herd to five individuals. To minimize stress, keepers from Duisburg are traveling to Poland to assist the Poznań team with the animals' adaptation. While the move has drawn some local debate regarding the age of the elephants, zoo officials emphasized that the relocation is a responsible step to ensure the animals receive specialized care in a suitable environment.