Ireland’s largest zoo has unveiled its first adult bull elephant in 100 years

Posted on Tuesday, July 10, 2012 at 06:35 AM

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At 17-years-old, Upali measures three meters tall and weighs more than 6,000 kilos, reports RTE news.

The Asian bull elephant will live at Dublin zoo for the next 15 to 20 years with four females as part of the international breeding programme.

Speaking at the ceremony, Leo Oosterweghel, director at Dublin Zoo, said, “Upali’s arrival is a hugely significant occasion for us as part of the international breeding programme.

“We are especially pleased to have Minister Brian Hayes with us today to celebrate the arrival of Upali and opening of the Bull Elephant House. We are also very grateful to the Government and the OPW for the funding and technical support they have provided over the past 18 years.

“Without the commitment from the Government we could not have transformed Dublin Zoo into Ireland’s number-one family attraction with over one million visitors per annum.”

For more on Upali, visit: www.dublinzoo.ie.

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