I recently visited the Howletts herd of elephants, largest in UK. There were 16 animals living together, with a wide range of age-groups (they have a high birth rate), including some small calves.
They're African forest elephants who obviously love a good chew on some branches, protected contact, with access to a huge muddy field as well as a yard with toys and forage and shelter. At the end of the day, they all trooped obediently back to their own sheds.
They appeared to be having an excellent time. There was lots of playful behaviour from both youngsters and fully grown elephants, barging and tussling; one youngster spent a long time head butting and charging an old tyre, another enjoyed clambering over logs. Squelching in the mud was everyone's pleasure.
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