If I could have any pet in the world, I would have an elephant. Well, several, because they like to be together, but I would have elephants. Ever since I was a child, I’ve loved them way too much. They’re perfect in every way!

Elephants are smart, they’re kind, and they seem like a lot of fun to be around. If they were humans, I feel like elephants would have those comforting, mid-west auntie accents that everyone loves. They just look like they care about everyone they meet.

On Tuesday, October 21st, one baby elephant discovered that she had a trunk for the first time. Like anyone would, she immediately used all of her free will to play with it. She even pulled out the hilarious “helicopter” move:

According to Jennie, Zaiya is so cute that she had to get a membership. She’s not about to miss out on Zaiya’s growth journey! If she comes around enough, maybe Zaiya will start to think they’re friends!

Zaiya is at Blackpool Zoo in Blackpool, England. She was just born on September 2nd of this year to a mama elephant named Tara, and she’s as happy and healthy as they come. She’s an Asian elephant, and she joins several others: Tara, her mom, as well as auntie elephants Kate, Minbu, Noorjahan, and Esha. Her dad, Emmett, is also part of the herd.

Related: Adorable Dachshund Mix’s ‘Tie-Dyed Elephant Ears’ Are the Best

Blackpool Zoo is a part of something called “Project Elephant,” which is a research program that hinges on the building of a happy, healthy, multi-generational herd. It began in 1972, when Kate came to Blackpool.

Zaiya, the successful product or breeding between two of their elephants, is the first baby born at Blackpool Zoo, and she signifies the real beginning of Project Elephant’s efforts. Her name is Burmese, translating to “strength.” More than that, though, this girl is gorgeous:

Project Elephant is all about healthy, sustainable breeding of this endangered species by ensuring adequate care. They take excellent care of their elephants at home, and they’re always out in the field studying and assisting wild elephants whenever they can. It’s amazing!

Baby Elephants Don’t Have Control Over Their Trunks

Trunks are a muscular organ. Elephants can move their trunks freely, and they use them for everything from foraging to eating and drinking water. However, just like how babies have to learn how to use their hands, baby elephants need to learn to use their trunks.

For the first few months, baby elephants’ trunks are usually swinging about with no rhyme or reason. Eventually, though, they “discover” their trunks, and they might start to play with them by:

1. Swinging them around in a “helicopter” motion.

It’s so sweet. As Zaiya grows up, her control over her trunk will only get better. I wish I could see it!

🐶SIGN UP to get “pawsitivity” delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends🐾🐾

This story was originally reported by Parade Pets on Oct 27, 2025, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.