Animal lovers who enjoy watching and studying the elephants at Howletts do not have long left before the herd departs for a new life in the wilds of Africa.

The group, which weigh a combined total of 25 tonnes, will soon be flown half way across the globe to Kenya as part of a groundbreaking project by the Aspinall Foundation.

No dates have yet been set for the emotional farewells - but with limited time remaining for park-goers to see the gentle giants, we take a look at the character traits and distinguishing features of each member of the 13-strong herd.

The eldest of the group was born in 1987, while the youngest was welcomed in March last year...

Tammi - 34 years old

At her grand age, Tammi is the oldest elephant at Howletts, and the well respected matriarch of the herd.

A calm-natured character, she generally appreciates time on her own, preferring to socialise with the rest of the herd on her own terms.

Recognisable for her height, slim physique and long legs, Tammi likes to watch her weight, so generally can’t be won over by food.

Unusually for an elephant, she can be a little bit clumsy, often forgetting how big her tusks are and catching them on things.

Jara - 16 years old

Teenager Jara is the bright spark of the herd. Sharp and inquisitive, she responds well to enrichment and will often be the first one to spot novel new items and find hidden food.

She is incredibly close to her mum, Tammi, and they often have greeting ceremonies after being separated for only a few minutes.

For an elephant, Jara has very smooth skin thanks to all the time she spends in her favourite places: the pool and mud wallows.

Jama - 15 years old

Jama is the confident socialite of the group and a natural leader. She is calm, relaxed and goodnatured, enjoying attention from keepers and interacting well with the other elephants.

She is very much a family girl, taking a leading role within her group and being an excellent first-time mother to little Nusu.

She is easily recognisable for her slight chubbiness and short symmetrical tusks.

Uzuri - 13 years old

Uzuri is the placid one of the group, a well-connected elephant within the herd.

She is very maternal, affectionate with our keepers and is a lot more laid back than her sister, Jara.

Etana - 12 years old

The diplomat of the herd, Etana gets on well with everybody.

She can be recognised by her distinctive slightly pointy forehead and very short tusks.

She always sleeps lying down in close contact with others.

Manzi - 11 years old

Manzi is the quirkiest elephant in the herd, with some unusual habits.

She is a very noisy eater, making a clicking-gurgling sound when eating and drinking to show her contentment. She also likes a snooze during the day, resting her trunk on a piece of old browse which she wedges between her front legs.

She can be a little bit timid when faced with new situations and changes in routine.

Mchumba - 11 years old

Mchumba is a sociable elephant who very much loves his food.

Friendly and cooperative with the keepers, he loves to play fight but can be a little accident prone, having broken his right tusk twice in as many years.

Juluka - 10 years old

Young Juluka is the adaptable one of the group, always dealing well with new situations.

She is an affectionate, friendly and sociable young female who enjoys the company of the other elephants and keepers.

Easily spotted within the herd for her small and round ears, she is excellent with the calves.

Impi - 10 years old

Impi is the live wire of the group and the most energetic of the younger elephants. He can often be seen playfighting with Mchumba.

Although boisterous and a little bit on the stubborn side, Impi is very gentle and trustworthy around the young calves.

Mirembe - 7 years old

Mirembe is one of the most active members and quite a cheeky character.

She loves exploring the paddocks, forages well and is inquisitive and playful with novel enrichment items.

She has the smallest tusks and long tail hair, so is easily recognisable.

A popular elephant with an abundance of playmates, she enjoys a strong position in the herd as a daughter of the dominant female, Tammi.

Nusu - 2 years old

Nusu is the adventurous one in the herd and enjoys exploring all corners of the enclosure.

He is a happy, cooperative and playful calf who gets on well the others.

Oku - 2 years old

A confident little elephant, he play fights a lot with the other calves.

He looks up to the older bulls, Impi and Mchumba, as his mentors, learning adult bull behaviour from them.

Nguvu - 1 year old

The youngest of the herd, little Nguvu lives up to his name, which is the Swahili word for powerful and energetic or ‘strong as a rock’.

He is a confident, playful young calf with a mischievous and adventurous personality.

Nguvu is very close to his mother Etana and enjoys interacting with our keepers and the other youngsters.

He is a big fan of sawdust enrichment.

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