September 16, 2021 3:15 a.m. 

There is a new elephant in the room at Wildlife Safari in Winston.

43-year old African elephant Butch, who is over ten-foot-tall, is the newest animal to call the game park in Winston home. Marketing Director Jacob Schlueter said Butch came from another facility where he lost his companions.

General Curator Dan Brands said the pachyderm joined the herd on August 31st.

Elephant Supervisor Courtney Miller said “He loves watermelon and celery. He’s a big, loveable and pensive guy and a bit of a goof”. Miller said Butch loves to play in the water and make his own mud wallows.

A release said while encounters are currently limited to other elephants at the park, Butch is currently out and about in the elephant yard and is viewable from the drive through.

Executive Director Dan Van Slyke said Wildlife Safari is always excited to welcome a new animal to the park. Van Slyke said “Its not just an addition to the park and the animal collection, but a larger than life addition to the community”.