Doctor Dolittle has nothing on Megan
She talks to them every day and considers them friends.
Now Megan Lawlor has won an award for her work with Europe's largest herd of African elephants.
Former Halesowen College student Megan Lawlor has been named Volunteer of the Year.
The 19-year-old from Stourbridge works as an intern at Howletts Wild Animal Park in Kent.
She works with seven other staff members to maintain the 13-animal herd who each know their own name and have special dietary requirements.
"They all have real personalities and after three months they are friends and I chat with them every day," she said.
Her career began by completing a BTEC Level Three in Animal Care in 2013. She then worked at West Midland Safari Park before moving to Howletts.
Megan, a former pupil of Wolverley High School, near Kidderminster, was presented with the award during the Aspinall Foundation Annual Awards for staff.
The awards celebrate the work of staff at Aspinall's two parks - Howletts and Port Lympne, also in Kent.
Bob O'Connor, Aspinall's managing director, said: "Every year we hold a prestigious staff awards ceremony, to say thank you to all of our dedicated, hardworking staff and volunteers.
"Megan's dedication, commitment and enthusiasm made her the obvious choice for Volunteer of the Year award."
Megan said "I have worked hard to achieve my dream and I would like to thank everyone at Halesowen College who has helped me on my way."
Alison Gwilliams, from Halesowen College, said: "A massive congratulations to Megan and we are all so pleased she is starting a career she clearly loves and is doing extremely well."
