2010-05-26

At the New Asian Barn, we have a water trailer to make sure our girls remain hydrated. There are several natural water sources in the habitat (ponds, creeks, and the lake), plus watering stations that have been set up (with more to be installed), but sometimes the Girls still need a little extra. Since they don't migrate in search of food and water as much as wild elephants, we sometimes bring the water to them. These deliveries also let the Ladies know that wherever they choose to wander, we will come and find them, not only with their food, but also with a cool drink. This knowledge allows them to securely wander away from the barn knowing there is no need for them to return if they would rather enjoy what the habitat has to offer. 

 
All of our Ladies get visits from the water trailer, but none as much as Sis and Winks. Although Sissy has gotten much better in perfecting the art of getting water from her trunk into her mouth—with the temperatures being what they are during Tennessee summers—we want to ensure that she is getting enough. And since Sissy and Winkie are always together, Winkie also enjoys a nice drink. That is, when she's not just picking hay off of the back of the four wheeler instead.
 
There are times when we bring out the trailer and the girls don't drink, but that's fine, as it means a brief visit and being at ease knowing they are caring for themselves. Even though Shirley and Tarra spend most of their summertime around the lake or the creek, the trailer is also brought out to them on occasion, and although Tarra usually does not drink, we want to make sure that our grandma Shirley has more than enough water to make sure her aging kidneys remain healthy. And Dulary and Misty? Well they usually just stop the water trailer on its return trip back to the barn. Sometimes it's just to say 'hello,' and other times it's so they can give themselves a quick rinse—because for them, there is no such thing as too much bathing!

 



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