OKC Zoo To Welcome New Elephant

The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden will soon have a new resident.

The Zoo announced Tuesday afternoon that 14-year-old Asian elephant Kandula has departed the Smithsonian National Zoo for his new home at the Oklahoma City Zoo.

A team of keepers and veterinarians from the National Zoo are traveling with Kandula, according to officials. They will observe Kandula via live video monitors and will stop frequently to care for his needs.

Kandula joins another male, Rex and five females, Asha, Chandra, Achara, Bamboo and Chai at the Oklahoma City Zoo.

Zoo officials said male elephants become increasingly independent as they mature. Being with females Kandula’s not related to will support his natural development and his genetic diversity will contribute to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Asian Elephant population.