OUR HERD

KATE

Born in India in 1969, Kate arrived at Blackpool Zoo in 1972.

Kate was one of the first animals to arrive at Blackpool Zoo in the 1970s when she was just three years old. Kate is a strong-minded elephant, a trait which comes with age and wisdom. She has a close bond with her keepers but, in recent years, has formed social bonds with Minbu and Esha. Kate has been known to take her time with new experiences, often waiting until she is 100% comfortable before embracing a change. Due to her age and social history, Kate continues to be independent within the herd, sometimes choosing to spend time away from the others.

TARA

Born in 1998 at Twycross Zoo, Tara arrived at Blackpool Zoo in January 2018.

Tara is a confident, social elephant. She is very playful and enjoys swimming and wallowing in a good mud/dust/dirt bath! She spends much of her time problem-solving and developing ways to reach food items and is especially skilled in gaining food items buried underground! She is enthusiastic and inquisitive and is often the first to try out something new. Tara is extremely social and is keen to embrace all individuals within the herd, particularly Esha, who Tara has been like a big sister to since she was born.

Tara gave birth to a healthy female calf on Tuesday, 2^nd September 2025, which the keeping team has named Zaiya, which is of Burmese origin and means strength.

ZAIYA

Zaiya was born on Tuesday, 2nd September, to mum Tara. The keeping team has named her Zaiya, which is of Burmese origin and means strength.

The birth of Zaiya is a truly historic moment for Blackpool Zoo, as it further reinforces our dedication to the conservation of all endangered species.

MINBU

Born in Burma in 1985, Minbu arrived at Blackpool Zoo in March 2018.

Minbu, originally born and raised in a logging camp*, is a very maternal, nurturing and protective elephant. Whilst being wise and calm, with a playful side, she can be hesitant in new situations and often is the last elephant to try something new, although she adapts well to a change in routine.

NOORJAHAN

Born in India in 1995, Noorjahan arrived at Blackpool Zoo in August 2018.

Noorjahan is the tallest of the females within the herd, standing at roughly 9 feet tall! She is mother to Esha and is a particularly intelligent, independent elephant. She is an expert in manipulating logs to help her reach food.

ESHA

Born at Twycross Zoo in 2014, Esha arrived at Blackpool Zoo in August 2018.

Esha is a very social elephant and together with her mother, Noorjahan, she has developed strong bonds within the herd. She has now matured into a more independent elephant, as she understands her role within the herd more.

EMMETT

Born in the USA in 1991, Emmett arrived at Blackpool Zoo from ZSL Whipsnade Zoo in October 2019.

As the only male in the herd, Emmett is a mature and experienced individual, having previously sired offspring within a multigenerational herd. He is the largest in the herd and exudes a calm and confident presence. Displaying signs of dominance when required and providing a sense of protection and stability amongst the herd, which are all typical traits of an experienced bull elephant. Emmett’s maturity and experience play a vital role in shaping the future of Asian elephants at Blackpool Zoo, especially with the recent birth of his calf, Zaiya, marking a hopeful step forward for the species.