Kristin Davis fascinated by elephants

Kristin Davis has had a lifelong "fascination" with elephants.

The 'Sex and the City' actress - who is an ambassador for the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust - says she has loved the huge creatures ever since she was a child and would often watch wildlife documentaries about the mammals.

She said: "I've had a fascination with elephants ever since I was little, growing up as an only child in South Carolina with my mum and stepdad.

"I was always watching National Geographic nature programmes and sat on a giant stuffed elephant."

The 46-year-old star has always been drawn to the animals because of their ability to form emotional bonds with one another.

She explained: "What captivated me was that elephants are so large yet so gentle. It's intriguing how complex and emotional their communication is within their family unit."

Kristin had to wait until her career took off to be able to afford to see elephants in the flesh and says the experience of finally seeing them in their natural habitat in 2009 was a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

She said: "While other people in the Campi ya Kanzi lodge in the Chyulu Hills wanted to see lions and leopards, I was up at 5am and watching elephants all day with my guide Elvis. I was completely mesmerised."