Watch: Pregnant elephants enjoy swimming at Blackpool Zoo

Two keepers have implemented the exercise to help the persian elephants as they know the benefits.

Noorjahan and Esha are due to give birth later in the year and have been making full use of their 225m² pool to stay active by swimming.

The pool is comparable in size to a tennis court and gently slopes down to a depth of 3m and holds a huge 19,163 litres which allows the elephants to swim fully submerged.

The elephants swim in a large pool (Image: Blackpool Zoo) Pregnancy aqua natal exercise is popular and swimming provides the elephants numerous health benefits including reduced impact on joints and muscles, improved circulation, enhanced cardiovascular fitness and increased flexibility.

Asian elephants have been listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List since 1986 and the population is estimated to have declined by at least 50% over the last three generations which means that EEPs serve as a crucial lifeline for ensuring the survival of the species.

Project Elephant underpins Blackpool Zoo’s ongoing commitment to the endangered Asian elephant as it focuses on a multi-faceted approach to the continuous long-term management, breeding and welfare needs of the zoo’s elephants.

It provides special focus on their physiological and psychological wellbeing.

Watch as pregnant elephants go swimming at Blackpool Zoo

Base Camp is Blackpool Zoo’s largest ever single investment and combines the UK’s largest indoor elephant house with several outdoor habitats, all of which were meticulously designed to support the complicated needs of Asian elephants.

Adam Kenyon, Section Head at Blackpool Zoo, said: “It may be surprising to some, but elephants are fantastic swimmers and Noorjahan and Esha are really embracing these ‘aqua-natal’ sessions as part of their prenatal care routine, making great use of the pool.

“Swimming not only keeps them physically active but also supports their overall health and well-being during this critical time.

Recommended reading:

• 2 baby elephants to be born at Blackpool Zoo for first time in 52 year history
• ‘Very special’ orangutan born which could spark new generation of species
• A new record has been set at Blackpool Zoo following the birth of flamingo chicks

“Our specially designed pool allows these magnificent animals to engage in natural swimming behaviours.

“It's a pleasure to see them enjoying themselves whilst they are exercising which will help support them physically, as they prepare for the arrival of their calves later this year.

“The pool will be drained at the end of summer to keep the new arrivals safe. Once they are out and about the pool will be gradually refilled so the herd can introduce them to the wonders of swimming.”