A herd of elephants have kicked off the festive season by playing with a giant Christmas tree – and “un-decorating” it.

The endangered Asian elephants were seen having fun exploring the 20-foot tree and eating the elephant-friendly decorations at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo in Dunstable, UK.

In a hilarious clip, the group can be seen getting familiar with their new decorations, poking at the festive display with their trunks and playing with the decked-out tree branches.

Five-year-old Beth and 12-year-old Donna were the first elephants to get to grips with the new arrival in the enclosure – which had little treats nestled inside it for them to enjoy.

The duo was shortly joined by the rest of the herd who merrily munched on the pine branches.

Team Leader Stefan Groeneveld said: “Most people invite their family members to get involved with tree decorating as part of the fun and tradition of the festive season, but here at Whipsnade Zoo we like to invite our elephants to un-decorate the tree.

“Although elephants’ skin is thick, they love the feel of prickly branches when they rub up against them.

"They also love to sniff out their favourite treats, hidden inside the branches and retrieve them with their dexterous trunks, and when they’re done with all that, the trees themselves are also an excellent snack!"

The tree was donated by the Christmas Tree Place Berkhamsted and Christmas Tree Farm.

A herd of elephants have kicked off the festive season by playing with a giant Christmas tree – and “un-decorating” it.

The endangered Asian elephants were seen having fun exploring the 20-foot tree and eating the elephant-friendly decorations at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo in Dunstable.

In a hilarious clip, the group can be seen getting familiar with their new decorations, poking at the festive display with their trunks and playing with the decked-out tree branches.

Five-year-old Beth and 12-year-old Donna were the first elephants to get to grips with the new arrival in the enclosure – which had little treats nestled inside it for them to enjoy.

The duo was shortly joined by the rest of the herd who merrily munched on the pine branches.

Team Leader Stefan Groeneveld said: “Most people invite their family members to get involved with tree decorating as part of the fun and tradition of the festive season, but here at Whipsnade Zoo we like to invite our elephants to un-decorate the tree.

“Although elephants’ skin is thick, they love the feel of prickly branches when they rub up against them.

"They also love to sniff out their favourite treats, hidden inside the branches and retrieve them with their dexterous trunks, and when they’re done with all that, the trees themselves are also an excellent snack!"

The tree was donated by the Christmas Tree Place Berkhamsted and Christmas Tree Farm.