Amersfoort Zoo bought the first elephants in 1954, and is the first zoo of The Netherlands who closed down the traditional elephant exhibit and replaced it for a large outside enclosure. Next to the old enclosure was a piece of woods where the first elephants, Indra and Rani, occasionally could made a walk  (with the keepers).

In 1960 the woods were integrated in the outside enclosure and this was the start of a new tradition. Rani and Indra began to tear down the trees and bushes and after 10 years not a single tree was left. The keepers placed large treetrunks to replace the old trees. The elephants were throwing them one by one into the moat and when the last trunk was lying in the dig, the keepers replaced them and the fun starts again.

Rani and Indra were very busy with this game and after the dead of Rani in 1971, the newcomer Twiggy took her place and together with Indra she began to pull down the treetrunks.

The present enclosure is the continuation of this concept. For years Amersfoort Zoo was setting an example to other zoos. Now all Dutch zoos have large outside enclosures made of sand, with rocks and treetrunks. Almost all the zoos in The Netherlands have large enclosures.

Next step are the plans for a new elephanthouse for the females and offspring. During 2008 the building must be realized and hopely Alexander, the bull who is visiting the zoo these days, has done his job properly. He already mated all four cows, but if it was succesful only time will tell.

Scroll down for a list of all elephants who ever lived in this zoo.