'STAR WARS' AT 40: BANTHA MAKE-OVER!

Based at the Marine World Africa Zoo in California, the adaptable Mardji the Elephant gets a makeover she surely never expected, costume decorated to become a horned Bantha creature for Sandpeople-related extra scenes needed for post production insertion in the original Star Wars- circa January 1977, filmed at Death Valley, and a small unit by George Lucas. The director would enjoy watching the playful Mardi loving the outdoor environment during the filming.

As Mardji appeared in the film- a still linked to the film's international release.