Colchester Zoo is to start a breeding programme with its African elephants - but it could be as much as four years before the patter of rather large feet is heard.
The zoo's only male African elephant Tembo took part in an artificial insemination experiment in Vienna last year.
Now three of the zoo's four female elephants, Opel, Rosa and Tanya are being considered - but it is not yet decided which will take part in the programme.
If the project is successful and one of females becomes pregnant, there will be a 22-month wait for new father Tembo and zoo staff before the birth.
Visit the zoo's website at: www.colchester-zoo.co.uk
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