« It was a huge task we undertook »

But could they really become « retirees »? Yes, but it has been a learning curve that both elephants and animal passers should learn.

It is no easy task to take elephants from the circus and move them from full contact to protected contact, but good knowledge of animals and help from experts to how other elephants act, both from home and abroad have given the elephants just the retirement life that everyone had dreamed of.

The elephants are not as attached to humans as before. They are more attached to each other and no doubt that Ramboline is the chief executive.

The Animal Protection was a major part of the fact that elephants could have a retirement life in Knuthenborg and for Anne Sofie Meilvang, biologist and project manager for international projects, it continues to arouse great joy:

« We are glad to see that the elephants are doing so well, now five years after they arrived in Knuthenborg, where they have gained the retirement that they deserve. They are a living proof that one can take animals out of the entertainment industry in favor of a good life in a more natural setting, which is something that many animal friends around the world work for. »

Jane Trolle, head of the animal department in Knuthenborg says:

« It was a huge task we took on. There have been frustrating moments, but we are right now a really good place. The elephants are thriving well and they decide whether they want to go inside the large barn or out in the huge plant along with zebras and antelopes. They are so good at getting blood tests, getting elephant wash and other health care measures so that they have optimal conditions. In addition, the elephants have paved the way for even more animals to have a good life:

« We hope the elephants live long and have no desire to expand the elephant flock, » concludes Jane Trolle.