Whipsnade’s sportiest elephant calf celebrated her first birthday with new footballs and a kick about.
Saturday marked the first birthday of Elizabeth, the baby elephant, who was treated with a set of footballs for the special day.
Keepers and crowds have been amazed by Elizabeth’s dribbling and kicking talents, which far surpass those of the herd.
Elephant keeper, Mark Howes, said: “Elizabeth certainly has a trunkful of skills when it comes to dribbling a football; she’s somewhat of a natural with the ball.”
Born just days before Queen Elizabeth’s 90th birthday, baby Elizabeth continues to stun with her football abilities and with no sign of sharing the ball anytime soon.
Mark said: “When elephants are first born it can take them a little while to work out how to make the most of their trunk but we have all been amazed by how quickly Elizabeth mastered it, and how much control she seems to have.”
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