Britain’s Princess Anne has declared Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm’s Elephant Eden attraction in Wraxall, North Somerset officially open.
The 65-year-old royal was greeted by a crowd of school children from St Nicholas Chantry Primary School in Clevedon and Twickenham Primary School who waved flags when the princess arrived at the new tourist attraction last week.
Anne spoke with the zookeepers and went on her own private tour of the 20-acre elephant enclosure, before unveiling a plaque.
Speaking to the crowds, she said: "I appreciate the amount of effort which has been put in to understand elephants and the care they need.
"Thank you for what you have achieved here and to the Bush family for finishing what they set out to do here.
"As more and more people become increasingly detached from the natural world, farms and places like this are really important to maintain education and understanding. I would like to say a big thank you for what you provide for future generations."
The £1.6million habitat is the largest elephant enclosure in the UK and features a massive elephant home, 20-acres of land and even has warm showers.
It is large enough to have six adults and two baby elephants, but currently houses two bull elephants named Janu and M’Changa.
Noah’s Ark owner, Anthony Bush, commented: "It is an amazing honour to welcome the Princess Royal here.
"She is especially welcome due to her lifelong love of animals and we are most grateful to her for fitting us into her busy schedule."
Princess Anne opens Elephant Eden in North Somerset
