The animal park said that in the wild, male elephants naturally left their birth group as they reached adolescence and began to establish themselves independently or among other males.
The dispersal is a key behavioural milestone that prevents competition within the family group and allows the herd, typically led by experienced females, to maintain a stable social structure.
The animal park, which is managed by Howletts Animal Park Trust, said that the site, alongside the Port Lympne Reserve, remained “deeply committed” to the long-term conservation of elephants.
The animal park added that it had been exploring overseas rewilding opportunities for a number of years, but so far it had been unsuccessful.
It confirmed that the herd would remain in place for the foreseeable future and work had started to create a new elephant house.
“Shaka’s arrival comes just in time for May half term, giving visitors the chance to welcome this impressive new addition to the Howletts herd,” a spokesperson said.