Camperdown Wildlife Centre, Dundee, has two new residents, a female African elephant and her newborn calf.

The elephants are life-size sculptures made from metal that has been transformed by using recycled boats and ships that once sailed up the Tay.

The two impressive sculptures, collectively named Out of Africa, have been procured by the creative artist, Gail Van Heerden from Newburgh, who was Duncan of Jordanstone trained.

The sculpture was created in 2000 when Gail was artist in residence at Edinburgh Zoo. Most recently they have been on display in ArtPark, at the Earl of Denbigh's estate at Newnham Paddocks.

The elephant sculpture will now complement the other permanent art exhibit of the Brown Bear ‘Broch’ which was formed as part of the Our Surroundings Exhibition and designed by American Artist, Mark Dion with DCA and the Scottish Arts Council.

“Modern zoos of today are clearly important education and living science centres. To link Camperdown with an impressive contemporary sculpture of this calibre will add to the visitor experience at Camperdown Wildlife Centre,” said Bailie Charles Farquhar, convenor of Leisure and Arts.

Stuart Murdoch, director of leisure and communities, added: "The arrival of the elephants will kick-start our efforts to promote Art in the Park at Camperdown. We are delighted that Gail has agreed that we can care for her elephants for the next two years and hope that they will stay for longer. The public and local firms will be invited to sponsor the Art in the Park fund.”

The inclusion of this new sculpture within Camperdown Wildlife Centre will create much more than just an eye-catching wonder. The opportunity will also provide inspiration for many zoological projects and exhibits, including event links with the forthcoming ‘Wild Things’ summer school day on 27 July, which will show creative dance, drama and visual art performances and will be a family-oriented fun day.