AN ELEPHANT IN A LEAGUE OF HER OWN

11:30am Monday 28th April 2008

A 15-year old African Elephant at West Midland Safari Park in Worcestershire has proved to be a champion of her league with fancy footwork and her ability to keep the goalie on his toes. Not only is Latabe the Elephant adept at dribbling, she is remarkably good on set pieces and is certainly a match for 23-year old Lewis Hodson, her Keeper of eight years.

Latabe's skills were recognized four weeks ago when she started kicking a ball around during playtime. Lewis is passionate about football and Latabe proved to be the perfect opponent. She appears to know exactly what to do and what the goal is for.

There is little doubt that Latabe is honing her footy skills to perfection and seems to enjoy every minute that she is on the pitch.

There may not be a champion's cup waiting for her, but Latabe has certainly won the admiration of her fans at West Midland Safari Park.

West Midland Safari Park has three Elephants, all of which were rescued from an elephant orphanage in 1998. 'Five' has proved to be an excellent artist; 'Jack' likes to help with heavy duties like pulling vehicles - a real 'Jack of all Trades' and now Latabe has surprised everyone with her rather unladylike pastime. There is little doubt, that whilst Latabe has added a few noughts to her transfer fee, she is staying where she is - at West Midland Safari Park.

West Midland Safari Park opened in 1973 and is home to the only pride of rare White Lions in the UK; have the largest family group of White Tigers; is the only location in the UK to see the African Big Five and has more than 600 exotic animals in the 100-acre all-weather safari drive through. Cheetah Plains is the new exhibit for 2008.

West Midland Safari & Leisure Park is open 10.00am daily until Friday, 7th November 2008. Admission costs £10.50 per person, including a free return ticket. Amusement rides charged extra. Further information is available from the Park's website www.wmsp.co.uk or by telephone 01299 402114.

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