Baby elephant Zaiya learns how to protect herself from the sun and insects... after copying her mum

See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred Source Published: 20:01 EDT, 30 August 2026 | Updated: 20:04 EDT, 30 August 2026 An adorable baby elephant was seen learning how to protect herself from the sun at a UK zoo.The elephant calf Zaiya watched as her mother picked up sand with her trunk and tossed it over herself.The behaviour is known as dusting and works like applying suncream, protecting the animals from harsh UV rays and sunburn as well as pesky insects.Little Zaiya was then seen imitating her mother and she too threw the sand over herself.The heartwarming pictures were captured at Blackpool Zoo in Lancashire. Photographer Alison Allen said: 'The girls were just in the top sand paddock, and they started throwing sand on themselves. 'They do this for skin protection and cooling. 'This behaviour, called dusting, acts as a natural sunscreen and protection against UV rays, deters biting insects, helps regulate body temperature, and locks in moisture after a bath. 'Their thick skin is surprisingly sensitive to the harsh sun, so sand and mud block harmful rays and prevent painful sunburns.' Watch and learn: Young Zaiya stood underneath her mother who began throwing sand over her body Sandy trunks: Zaiya copies her mother and sprays sand on her to cool off from the midday sunShe added: 'The dry layer traps a barrier against flies, mosquitoes, and parasites. 'Dusting helps with thermoregulation, keeping their large bodies cool under the hot sun, and the grit helps soothe existing insect bites and allows them to scrub off dead skin cells when they rub against trees afterwards.'It was so great to see baby Zaiya mastering the use of her trunk and throwing more sand this time. 'She will learn these things by copying her mum and the other adults. 'They do what is known as alloparenting, which means the adult females will share care and teach the youngster the skills they need.'