Liz Hurley takes time out from filming in South Africa to straddle an elephant – while it shows off its jumbo trunk
Many fans spotted something odd with the holiday photo
LIZ Hurley was left red-faced after sharing a photo of herself straddling an elephant - while it shows off its willy.
The actress, 51, was branded "cruel" for posing on the animal's back but many fans spotted something odd with the photo.
The Royals star Liz, who has previously thrown her weight behind animal conservation causes, was filming a new movie in South Africa when she made the gaffe.
Posting on Instagram, she wrote: "Hello Africa! @adventures_with_elephants. Check out their website www.adventureswithelephants.com to see how this amazing reserve is saving elephants. This one was due to be culled until they rescued it ??"
Television presenter Nicky Campbell replied with a video highlighting horrible treatment of some tourism elephants.
While other users hit out, with one saying "Ignorant and cruel, don't ride elephants!"
But some were quick to point out the animal looked like he was excited to have a film star on his back.
One tweeted: "Look at the cock on that elephant I don't mean you, Liz."
Another added: "Smart elephant also enjoying. See the photo carefully."
A third said: "Someone is happy you're riding him. Ahem."
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Animal campaigners say tourists should avoid riding elephants because the animals have to be broken in first, which is often a painful process.
Liz, who famously dated Four Weddings and a Funeral star Hugh Grant, later posted another video from the safari park showing two grown elephants and a baby elephant.
The Austin Powers actress captioned it: "On the set of my new movie which I'm shooting in South Africa with the best co stars ever-Chishuru, Mussina and baby Bela."
"It's an enchanting story about a 12 year old boy who beats a gang of poachers and saves these beautiful elephants."