Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now Belfast Zoo will mark the transfer of Asian elephants Dhunja and Yhetto – two of its oldest - with a week of farewell events from July 8-14. Final preparations are now underway for the pair’s move to Burgers’ Zoo in Arnhem, Netherlands, where they will join with two other compatible elephants to create a new herd – the ideal social structure for older female elephants in their later years. Visitors can wish Dhunja and Yhetto a happy retirement and join elephant-themed activities in the run-up to their transfer, including themed crafts, keeper talks, animal feeding times, memory postcards and a daily screening of movie The Zoo.
READ MORE: Council report details £65,000 bill for shipping elderly Belfast Zoo elephants READ MORE: Belfast Zoo elephants to be transferred to the Netherlands Elected members at Belfast City Council had previously agreed to the move, which is planned to take place towards the end of July. "Dhunja and Yhetto have been a huge part of the Belfast Zoo family for over 15 years now and visitors and Zoo staff will be sad to see them go," said Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray. "Their transfer reflects the Zoo’s commitment to delivering the highest standards of animal care, and this is the right move for the pair at this stage in their lives.
As the elephants pack their trunks for pastures new, the Zoo itself still has plenty to off.
