As temperatures look set to soar this weekend, Whipsnade Zoo’s Asian elephant herd have found the perfect way to beat the heat – a splash about in their own private pool.
Behind-the-scenes footage shows two-year-old Nang Phaya, the herd’s youngest elephant, gleefully wading into the water, before completely submerging herself. The playful pachyderm can also be seen using her trunk to scoop gallons of water into her mouth.
The rest of the herd, including 4.5-tonne bull elephant Ming Jung, also took the plunge, and enjoyed a cooling shower from elephant keeper Emily Hanley – and can be seen turning his head from side to side to fully enjoy his bathing session.
Alongside nature’s giants like the Asian elephants, giraffes and white rhinos, Whipsnade has welcomed 12 giant Trolls to the Zoo this summer. Trolls: A Field Study at Whipsnade Zoo features twelve towering trolls created entirely from recycled materials by Danish artist and activist Thomas Dambo. With over 11,000 animals to see and 600-acres to explore, Whipsnade Zoo is the perfect day out for all of the family this summer.