'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. According to producer Gary Kurtz, it would take six weeks for Mardji to become used to wearing the costume. Lucas would enjoy watching the playful Mardi loving the outdoor environment during the eventual filming.

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