Home / Arts and Entertainment / Queen Elizabeth II Feeds Elephant at Zoo
Queen Elizabeth II Feeds Elephant at Zoo
25 May
Summary
- Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip visited the Centre for Elephant Care in 2017.
- The royal couple fed an Asian elephant named Donna during the visit.
- The photo captures a rare, informal moment showcasing the Queen's affection for animals.
In April 2017, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip visited the Centre for Elephant Care at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo in England. During the opening of the zoo's new £2 million elephant care centre, the royal couple engaged in feeding an Asian elephant named Donna.
The photograph from this event has gained lasting appeal due to its unusual depiction of the Queen in a relaxed mood, a contrast to her usual formal public appearances. Seen in a lavender coat and hat, she was smiling as the elephant reached for bananas, with Prince Philip laughing nearby.
This interaction offered the public a rare glimpse into a more informal aspect of royal life, underscoring the monarch's well-documented affection for animals. The image's simplicity, with the easily recognizable act of feeding bananas, made the moment feel surprisingly accessible and human.
Beyond the charming image, the visit was part of the zoo's conservation efforts, with ZSL president Sir John Beddington speaking about the plight of elephants globally. The event underscored that while the photograph is heartwarming, it originated from a significant conservation background.
The enduring popularity of the photograph stems from its ability to convey an immediate, relatable human experience. It avoids royal pageantry, instead portraying a universally understandable moment of humans feeding an animal, with the animal responding with trust.
