Elephant Enclosure

Overview

The Elephant Enclosure at Basel Zoo, officially known as 'Tembea', offers a captivating glimpse into the world of African elephants in Basel, Switzerland. Opened in March 2017 after an extensive three-year construction period, this state-of-the-art facility spans an impressive 5,000 square meters. This size represents more than double the area of its predecessor, providing the magnificent mammals with ample space to roam and engage in natural behaviors.

The design of Tembea thoughtfully mimics a natural savannah landscape, featuring three expansive outdoor enclosures that boast varied ground surfaces, strategically placed rocks, patches of trees, and deadwood. To encourage activity and exploration, the enclosure incorporates wallowing pools, bathing areas, and a sophisticated system of 121 computer-controlled feeding stations. Beyond the African elephants, the enclosure is also home to a diverse array of smaller species, including harvester ants, brown rats, African clawed frogs, and various fish species, creating a rich and interconnected ecosystem. The outdoor areas additionally offer nesting opportunities for guinea fowl, white storks, swallows, swifts, and even provide roosts for bats.

The Tembea enclosure operates on a modern 'protected contact' system, which prioritizes the elephants' natural social structure and minimizes direct human interaction, thereby fostering more authentic animal behavior. The entire project, costing between 27 and 28 million Swiss Francs, was financed exclusively through donations, underscoring the community's dedication to animal welfare and conservation.

History & Cultural Background

Basel Zoo, affectionately known to locals as 'Zolli', holds the distinction of being Switzerland's oldest zoological garden, having first opened its doors in 1874. The original elephant house, which stood for over six decades, was constructed in 1953. In its earlier years, the zoo even featured daily dressage shows with its elephants, a practice that continued until 1962.

The vision for a new, expanded elephant enclosure began to take shape in 2012, with the board of directors approving the project. Construction for what would become Tembea commenced in August 2013. The motivation for this significant upgrade stemmed not only from the aging infrastructure but also from a desire to transition to a more 'freer' method of elephant keeping, one that eliminated direct human contact and supported the animals' natural social dynamics. The grand opening of the Tembea enclosure in March 2017 marked a new era in elephant care at Basel Zoo.

Basel Zoo has a proud history of breeding African elephants. The first African elephant born alive in Basel was Ota in 1966, followed by Pambo in 1992. Pambo quickly became a public favorite before moving to Schönbrunn Zoo. Today, the zoo actively coordinates with the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) to manage its elephant population. As of May 2026, the enclosure welcomed a new group of African elephants: the matriarch Tika and her two daughters, Kimana and Mali, who arrived from Green Zoo Wuppertal.

What Makes It Special

The Tembea elephant enclosure is distinguished by its commitment to providing an environment that closely mirrors the elephants' natural habitat while prioritizing their well-being. Its impressive size, at 5,000 square meters, allows the elephants ample room for physical activity and diverse social interactions.

The innovative design, themed around 'movement', incorporates various elements such as rocks, tree islands, dead trees, wallows, and bathing pools, all intended to stimulate the elephants both physically and mentally. The unique system of 121 feeding points, many of which are computer-controlled, encourages foraging behavior, making the elephants work for their food much like they would in the wild. Furthermore, the flexibility of the enclosure allows for daily changes in 'walking routes' and compartment divisions, providing constant novelty and encouraging exploration.

A cornerstone of Tembea's philosophy is the 'protected contact' approach to animal husbandry. This method ensures that during interactions, such as daily training sessions or veterinary checks, a barrier always remains between humans and elephants. This not only enhances safety but, more importantly, fosters the elephants' natural social behaviors and maintains the integrity of their herd hierarchy, a significant shift from older zoo practices.

Beyond the elephants, Tembea stands out for its integrated ecosystem, housing other species like harvester ants and brown rats in the indoor areas, and providing nesting opportunities for various native birds in the outdoor spaces. This holistic approach enriches the environment for all its inhabitants. Moreover, the elephants in Tembea serve as vital ambassadors for their wild counterparts. Basel Zoo actively supports conservation efforts, including an annual donation to anti-poaching projects in Kenya, highlighting its dedication to protecting these endangered creatures globally.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

Basel Zoo has been affectionately known as 'Zolli' since its first year of operation in 1874, a testament to its deep roots in the local community. The birth of African elephants Ota in 1966 and Pambo in 1992 were significant events, with Pambo particularly capturing the hearts of visitors as a public favorite.

Elephants are remarkably intelligent and social animals. Within their herds, they communicate using a range of sounds, including infrasonic frequencies that are inaudible to human ears. They produce these sounds in their forehead region and modify them with their trunks. Their trunks are incredibly versatile, developed as a combination of nose and upper lip, possessing an outstanding sense of smell and taste, and capable of lifting weights up to a tonne. Elephants also use ear movements and trunk positions to express their mood; flat ears indicate relaxation, while outstretched ears or striking the ground with their trunk can signal threat.

A fascinating detail concerning elephants is the historical impact of ivory hunting on tusklessness. Hunters often targeted elephants with the largest tusks, inadvertently leading to an overrepresentation of tuskless individuals in some populations, as this genetic trait became an advantage for survival. The current matriarch of the herd, Tika, is described as having a spirited and strong character, initially reserved but ultimately inquisitive. Her daughter Kimana is known for her impatience, while the youngest, Mali, expresses her happiness during feeding times with grunts. This personal insight into the elephants' individual personalities adds a unique layer to their story at Basel Zoo.

Visitor Perspective

Visiting the Tembea elephant enclosure provides a deeply engaging and educational experience for all ages. Guests can observe the magnificent African elephants in expansive open enclosures designed to resemble their natural savannah habitat. From the observation platform in front of the elephant house, visitors can enjoy spectacular views, including of the nesting sites created for native birds within the outdoor areas.

A highlight for many visitors is the opportunity to watch the daily training sessions inside the elephant house. These sessions, conducted under the 'protected contact' system, allow zookeepers to perform essential care routines, such as foot care, trunk rinsing, and teeth checks, while maintaining a safe barrier. This provides a unique insight into the professional and caring relationship between the keepers and the elephants.

Throughout the enclosure, information stands titled 'Tusks – White Gold' offer valuable insights into the dangers faced by elephants in the wild and the crucial conservation efforts underway to protect them. These educational displays help foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for these incredible animals. The zoo is designed with visitor comfort in mind, making it easily navigable for families, even those with small children and strollers. Basel Zoo, located conveniently near the city center and just a ten-minute walk from the Basel SBB train station, ensures easy access for curious travelers seeking to connect with nature's giants.