Zookeepers capture bull elephant making a splash at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

Time for a dip?
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As Britain basks in glorious sunshine, ZSL Whipsnade Zoo’s bull elephant, Ming Jung, took to his private pool for a cooling splash.

Zookeepers at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, in Bedfordshire, captured the 4,300kg elephant making a splash as he enjoyed a playful dip at UK’s biggest zoo.

Elephant Team Leader, Stefan Groeneveld said “It’s wonderful to see Ming Jung enjoying the pool in this amazing weather; in fact, we’re all quite jealous!

Ming Jung splashing around (C) ZSL Whipsnade ZooMing Jung splashing around (C) ZSL Whipsnade Zoo
Ming Jung splashing around (C) ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

"He uses his trunk as a snorkel while he dives under the water -and flaps his ears to cool himself down."

The current closure of ZSL Whipsnade Zoo due to COVID-19 means that ZSL, the international charity, which is behind the Zoo, finds itself presented with a huge challenge.

Reliant on income from zoo visitors, the future of this iconic national institution hangs in the balance – putting its global science and conservation work at risk.

Whipsnade’s elephants, tigers and penguins need as much care today as any other day, and ZSL needs help.

As well as asking the government for support, ZSL has a live public appeal at www.zsl.org/donate - every donation makes a difference.