Elephants at Whipsnade enjoy a spray of wedding “confetti”
Wednesday 27 April 2011
It seems like everyone’s getting in the mood for a wedding. The Asian elephants at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, including one-year-old calf George, enjoyed a sprinkling of confetti-style pink blossom from the Japanese miniature cherry trees which have been in full bloom this weekend.
© ZSL Hannah Thompson
The elephants were out on their daily walk as the blossom was blowing down the avenue, showering them with the beautiful (and biodegradable) petals. The elephants are delighting the crowds as they walk through the Zoo on their two-and-a-half mile stroll and as well as enjoying the feel of the blossom on the trees, they also enjoy the taste of it, say their keepers. Elephant keeper Matt O’Leary said: "The cherry trees were in full blossom in the avenue as we walked the elephants, just as the wind blew the petals onto them. They love all kinds of fruit trees, they will eat the blossom, the branches and the fruit if they can get at it!"
The warm temperatures have brought many early flowers - including the beautiful bluebells in the wood - into full colourful glory, just in time for the bumper Bank Holiday Weekend to mark the Royal Wedding on Friday.
Buy Zoo tickets online here and save money
Share this story with your friends:
