ELEPHANTS at West Midland Safari Park have been spotted creating their own waterpark ahead of the launch of the park’s extended summer holiday period.
Sutton, the baby African Elephant, joined mother Five and aunt Latabe for a splash in the mud, taking advantage of the elephant-sized paddling pool at their Elephant Valley home.
Elephants are of course well known for their love of water and, luckily, this is not a problem for the park’s residents – who will be on show during a ‘Summer Nights’ event.
(Above: Five and Sutton take part in some water play, much to the joy of the two year old elephant)
The event, which has been extended to cover the whole of the school summer holidays from July 23 until September 4, sees the park open from 9am to the later hours of 9pm.
It is hoped the event will give Sutton and Co. more time to explore, meet the public and play.
Head Keeper of Elephants, Andy Plumb, said: "Like any toddler, Sutton loves to play, especially when it involves Mum.
(Above: 24 year old Five, sprays water into the air)
"Elephant calves are extremely playful and with Sutton being the only baby at the moment, naturally his favourite play mate is Mum.
"Although when it comes to water, Aunt Latabe takes on the babysitting duties as she loves nothing better than a good bath.
"On warmer days, we often see all three elephants head over to the main pool and Latabe is usually the first one in, closely followed by Sutton.
"They splash around, throw water onto themselves and use their trunks to suck and blow out the water, which always looks spectacular!
(Above: The elephants can be seen playing at the park’s extended summer opening hours)
"Hopefully some of our guests will get to witness this for themselves over the longer summer period."
Sutton was born on May 5 two years ago and was the first baby elephant to be born at the Park following artificial insemination, using semen from a wild bull in South Africa.
As well as seeing the elephants play in the four-mile safari, Summer Nights visitors can look forward to the theme park being open till late, extra animal shows and encounters including a new Discover Dinosaurs talk and a craft club, suitable for all ages.
Summer Nights activities are included in the standard admission charge of £22.00 for adults, £17.00 for children aged 3-15 years and £20.00 for concessions.
Admission also includes a free-return ticket and children under the age of three years are admitted free of charge, while adventure Theme Park rides are charged extra.
For details phone 01299 402114.
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