Summer days at The Sanctuary call for creative ways to beat the heat, and recently, Debbie and Ronnie were treated to a colorful surprise: rainbow popsicles! Each layer featured a different flavor with a special frozen treat tucked inside, offering the elephants a refreshing form of enrichment on a warm Tennessee day.
The Elephant Care Team gets creative not only with seasonal treats that provide enrichment and help elephants stay hydrated during the summer months, but also in adapting health care to meet the changing needs of aging elephants. At 55 years old, Debbie receives ongoing care designed to support her comfort and mobility as she ages. Care and Veterinary teams regularly evaluate her routines and explore new ways for her to comfortably and voluntarily participate in her own health care.
Recently, Caregivers have continued CO₂ soaks to address swelling in Debbie’s left front foot. Through positive reinforcement training, Debbie has become increasingly consistent in participating in the treatment—even completing soaks while out in the habitat, where there are plenty of other sights, sounds, and activities competing for her attention.
The team is also exploring a new approach to Debbie’s routine foot care that reduces the amount of time she needs to bear additional weight on her other feet. Using a previously developed technique, Debbie is asked to lean toward the training wall and place her foot on a small foam pad. The team has worked together to determine the most comfortable positioning and type of mat for Debbie, and she quickly began placing her foot in the appropriate position, allowing staff to continue building on the behavior in future sessions.
From frozen summer treats to adapting health care routines as elephants age, each day brings opportunities for Care and Veterinary teams to respond to the needs and choices of the elephants in their care.