Meet the Elephants of Howletts:
Kent's Biggest Family
There's something truly unforgettable about seeing an African elephant up close.
From their enormous ears and powerful trunks to their gentle nature and remarkable family bonds, elephants have fascinated people of all ages for centuries. As the world's largest land animals, they're among the stars of every visit to Howletts Wild Animal Park.
This summer, we're celebrating these incredible giants during Elephant Week (10th-16th August) as part of Summer Roar 2026. It's the perfect opportunity to discover amazing elephant facts, meet one of the UK's most celebrated African elephant herds and learn why every elephant has an important story to tell.
Whether you're searching for things to do with kids in Kent, planning a family day out, or simply looking for the best place to see African elephants in the UK, here's why Howletts should be at the top of your summer adventure list.
Explore Elephant WeekMeet the Elephant Herd at Howletts
Howletts is home to one of the UK's best-known African elephant herds, and every member has their own unique personality.
Unlike many animals, elephants live in close-knit family groups led by experienced females. Mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts and calves stay together for many years, helping to raise young elephants, protect one another and pass on important knowledge about life.
Watching the herd interact is one of the highlights of any visit to Howletts.
You might spot playful calves chasing one another through the paddock, older elephants sharing gentle trunk touches or family members gathering together during feeding time.
It's these natural behaviours that make the elephants at Howletts one of the park's most loved attractions and one of the most rewarding wildlife experiences in Kent.
The Matriarch
Tammi
Tammi is the largest female elephant in the herd. Being the matriarch, she is fairly strong-willed, but gentle with the younger members of the herd.
Jara
Jara is very playful and likes to throw her weight around, although she is very maternal and is great with new claves.
Jama
Jama is courageous, friendly and trusting. She is very social and is rarely seen alone.
Uzuri
Probably th ecalmest member of the herd, Uzuri is gentle and friendly and an excellent mother to Oku.
Etana
Etana is an excellent mother to Nguvu and has a more relaxed parenting style than Uzuri, allowing Nguvu to wander off for short periods of time from an early age.
Manzi
Manzi is a sociable, but quirky little elephant. She often makes a gurgling sound when eating or drinking!
Juluka
Despite being the lowest ranking female, Juluka is happy, playful and friendly.
Mirembe
Mirembe is very confident and playful and can often be seen sparring with other members of the herd.
Nusu
Nusu is a happy and confident calf. He spends a lot of time playing with Oku and Nguvu - often in the pool and mud wallows!
Oku
Oku is a very cheeky character, often stealing food from his mother Uzuri. His best friends are Nusu and Nguvu.
Nguvu
Nguvu is a small bull elephant, but is confident and independent, often sparring with the older boys.
A New Chapter for Kent's Biggest Family
Just like every family, elephant herds change and grow over time.
This year marks an exciting new chapter with the arrival of Shaka, an impressive mature bull elephant who has joined the breeding herd as part of an internationally coordinated conservation breeding programme.
Shaka's arrival represents an important step in helping safeguard the future of this endangered species, while also bringing new opportunities for visitors to experience the fascinating social lives of elephants.
10 Amazing Elephant Facts Every Child Should Know
Think you know elephants? Here are some incredible facts that might surprise you.
1.
Elephants Are the World's Largest Land Animals
An adult African elephant can weigh as much as six family cars and stand over three metres tall.
2.
Their Trunks Are Nature's Ultimate Tool
An elephant's trunk contains around 40,000 muscles, helping them breathe, smell, drink, trumpet, pick up tiny objects and even give each other gentle hugs.
3.
They Can Recognise Themselves in a Mirror
Very few animals can do this. It shows that elephants have an impressive level of self-awareness.
4.
They Talk Using Sounds We Can't Hear
Elephants communicate using deep rumbles that travel through the ground over long distances. These low-frequency sounds help family members stay connected even when they're far apart.
5.
They Never Forget a Friend
Elephants have incredible memories and can recognise places and other elephants many years after they last met.
6.
Baby Elephants Grow Up Fast
Calves can stand within an hour of being born and begin exploring the world with curious little trunks.
7.
They Love Mud Baths
Mud helps cool elephants down, protects their skin from the sun and keeps pesky insects away.
8.
They Comfort One Another
When another elephant feels worried or upset, family members often offer reassurance through gentle trunk touches and close companionship.
9.
They Eat... A Lot!
An adult elephant can spend up to 18 hours a day eating grasses, leaves, bark and branches.
10.
Every Elephant Has a Different Personality
Some elephants are bold and curious, while others are calm, playful or quietly confident. Getting to know these personalities is one of the joys of visiting Howletts.
Why Are Elephants So Intelligent?
Elephants are often compared with humans because of the way they learn, solve problems and care for one another.
Young elephants don't simply grow up on their own. They watch older family members, copy what they see and learn important skills throughout their lives.
Think about how children learn from parents, grandparents, teachers and older siblings. Elephant families work in a surprisingly similar way.
They also remember routes to water, recognise familiar faces and communicate with remarkable sophistication.
Scientists continue to discover just how intelligent elephants really are, making every visit an opportunity to witness one of nature's greatest minds in action!
Plan Your Elephant Week Adventure
This summer, come and meet Kent's biggest family.
Join us for Elephant Week during Summer Roar and meet Kent's biggest family. Discover the incredible herd, spot the newest arrival Shaka and experience one of the most unforgettable wildlife encounters in the South East. Book your family adventure today.
