Elephant Care: Practical Guide for Keepers
Elephants are huge, smart, and social. An adult can eat 100–150 kg of vegetation and drink over 100 liters of water every day. That scale changes everything: food supply, shelter, staff time, and vet needs. If you care for elephants, start by nailing down the basics—consistent food, clean water, safe space to walk, shade, and steady social contact.
Daily needs & housing
Feed a varied diet: fresh browse, good hay, and measured pellets as a supplement. Aim for roughly 3–5% of body weight in dry matter per day and split meals into several feedings to reduce boredom and stomach upsets. Keep water available 24/7 and provide a pool or trough for bathing—water cools them and helps skin health.
Design enclosures to encourage movement. Change routes, scatter feed, and set up rotations so they walk and forage. Mixed ground surfaces—mud wallows, sand, grass, and compacted paths—protect feet and joints. Provide shade, windbreaks, and quiet resting areas. Use sturdy fencing and test gates and posts often; any electric lines must follow strict safety rules for both animals and staff.
Health, enrichment & staff safety
Foot care is the most common concern. Inspect feet every day for cracks, overgrowth, heat, swelling, or foreign objects. Schedule trims and cleanings with a vet who knows elephants. Keep a simple medical log with weights, treatments, and behavior notes—patterns in the log often show problems before they get serious.
Work with an elephant veterinarian on parasite control, vaccines, and routine bloodwork. Follow a preventive plan and don’t wait for obvious sickness. Train staff to notice small changes: a shorter stride, less appetite, or reduced social behavior can be the first signs of trouble.
Mental health needs attention too. Offer puzzle feeders, scattered browse, rotating toys, and long foraging sessions. Enrichment that encourages natural behavior reduces stress and problem behaviors. Social bonds matter—allow grooming and play when possible and avoid long-term isolation unless needed for health reasons.
Safety is a two-way street. Use low-stress handling and positive reinforcement. Limit close contact to trained people and keep clear emergency plans for escape, injury, or fire. Run drills and make sure everyone knows their role. Good communication saves lives.
If you’re new to elephant care, find a mentor at a sanctuary or work with experienced keepers and vets. Practical skills grow from watching, recording, and adjusting routines. Elephant care isn’t glamorous—it's steady, daily work. Do the basics well and you’ll keep animals healthier, safer, and mentally stronger.
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