A German zoo has built a brand-new elephant enclosure for its jumbos.

Aerial footage shows the 16,300-square-metre (approximately 1.63 hectares) under-construction area at Berlin Zoo.

The enclosure has housed African elephants in a sprawling savanna landscape since November 14.

The zoo is reportedly constructing Europe's largest and most advanced elephant house for the species.

Three thousand five hundred square metres will be dedicated to sheltered indoor spaces, providing the elephants with protection and quiet retreats.

Zoo director Dr Andreas Knieriem said: 'Our goal is to provide the animals in the Tierpark with a nature-inspired habitat while offering an unparalleled experience for visitors.

'The new facility places animal welfare at its core while embracing a unique design concept that replicates the natural habitat of African elephants as closely as possible.'

Zoological director Christian Kern added: 'The new spatial and structural conditions enable us to implement a modern animal engagement and training concept.

'The large, multi-part indoor and outdoor areas can be flexibly adjusted to the changing needs of African elephants.

'Rotation through different enclosures provides a unique form of enrichment that mirrors the animals' behaviour in their natural environment.

'Just as in the wild, the elephants will need to search for or 'work for' their food.'