Elephant shows the way to cool off in today's sizzling temperatures in Milton Keynes

Ming Jung was captured on film to his taking to his private pool for a cooling splash.

The 4300kg elephant can be seen diving under the water and using his trunk as a snorkel.

Elephant Team Leader Stefan Groeneveld said: “It’s wonderful to see Ming Jung enjoying the pool in this amazing weather; in fact, we’re all quite jealous"

He added “We’d normally be gearing up for a scorching Bank Holiday weekend here at the zoo, with every visitor helping to support our global conservation work – like the international breeding programme that Ming Jung is part of.

"Instead, we’re asking people who would have visited this weekend to consider making a donation – every penny really makes a difference.”

The current closure due to COVID-19 means that ZSL, the international charity is behind the zoo, finds itself presented with a huge challenge.

Reliant on income from zoo visitors, the zoo's future of this iconic national institution hangs in the balance, putting its global science and conservation work at risk.

"Whipsnade’s elephants, tigers and penguins need as much care today as any other day, and ZSL needs help," said a spokesman.

As well as asking the government for support, ZSL has a live public appeal here