At The Elephant Sanctuary, enrichment is more than just “fun and games”—it is an essential part of ensuring elephants can express natural behaviors, stay active, and enjoy meaningful choice in their daily lives. Guiding this work is our Enrichment Committee, a dedicated team that brings creativity, science, and compassion together for the well-being of the elephants.
The Committee is made up of Caregivers from each barn (Hickory, Redbud, Sycamore and Buckeye), our Senior Manager of Elephant Care, and a veterinarian and meets quarterly to plan and review enrichment strategies. Members are chosen not only for their expertise but also for their enthusiasm and craftiness.
Each enrichment plan is tailored to individual elephants’ needs. For example, elephants like Minnie and Flora are known for their strength and playfulness, so enrichment items must be especially sturdy and sometimes hung high or secured in hay cages. Sissy receives softer items that allow her to eat at her own pace; she is also known to engage with unique sensory activities like metal plates she can bang or musical sounds and vibrations. Osh and Nosey, who have experienced skin issues in the past, benefit from enrichment that encourages dusting, scratching, and skincare.
“Every time we create or introduce something new, we ask ourselves what goal we’re trying to meet,” explains Hannah Kaye, Committee Chair. “It might be prolonged foraging, encouraging exploration, or even strengthening relationships between elephants.”
Enrichment comes in many forms—from giant popsicles with frozen layers of fruit, to hay nets and puzzle feeders that prolong foraging, to themed holiday treats like pumpkins carved into turkeys or onion “baseballs.” Holiday celebrations such as “Galentine’s Day” for Sissy and Nosey, or Halloween surprises for herd groups, have become traditions enjoyed by elephants and Caregivers alike. These thoughtful touches help promote healthy behaviors and spark curiosity.
To help celebrate our 30th Anniversary, Care Staff recently created a towering enrichment structure, standing nearly nine feet tall, using bamboo poles and bundles of privet, with banana leaves and fresh produce tucked throughout. The Sycamore Team looked on as Ronnie eagerly approached, carefully plucking leaves and produce before turning her attention to the structure itself. With one powerful tug of her trunk, she pulled the entire piece down with a satisfying crack, then continued to munch the bamboo and privet.
The Committee also plays a crucial role in keeping enrichment safe, sustainable, and effective. All new items must go through an approval process with senior Care Staff and veterinarians, followed by careful observation to ensure elephants interact with them safely before they are offered unsupervised.