The Sanctuary is happy to report that Artie has been adjusting to his surroundings and showing many signs of comfort in his new home. He has been spotted roaming and foraging throughout his habitat, exhibiting interest in herd mates Flora, Sukari, and Tange, who live just across the valley, and is active in his own individualized care.
Artie’s quick transition into his new environment can, in part, be credited to the collaboration between Association of Zoos and Aquariums colleagues at North Carolina Zoo. Nancy Kauffman, the zoo's Elephant Manager, journeyed from North Carolina Zoo with Artie and stayed in Hohenwald to work closely with Staff at The Sanctuary until he became acquainted with his Caregivers. "I have been fortunate to build relationships with caregivers from The Elephant Sanctuary through various Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) courses. I spent a week at The Sanctuary working with his new caregivers to ensure a smooth transition. The transport team was immediately welcomed with open arms, and the excitement surrounding Artie's arrival at The Elephant Sanctuary made this emotional moment for me easier. Artie is missed, but I know he is still getting the best care," says Nancy.
Upon arrival, Artie soon made himself right at home and indulged in favorite foods like bamboo, hay, and sweet potato. He was intrigued by a hay net attached to the stall fencing that Caregivers had prepared for him inside the barn. Once Artie felt it was time, he ventured outside and around his habitat with Nancy, who encouraged him to explore. Artie stopped along his path to eat oak and other trees and even started to down a tree in his path. He began mudding and rolling around on his belly and sides, digging and spraying mud all over himself, despite the cooler temperatures outside.
Artie has willingly participated in The Sanctuary's Protected Contact training, showing trust toward Caregivers. Having been managed in Protected Contact at North Carolina Zoo, Artie quickly adapted to his new routine. "The adjustment to his new environment has been smooth. His cooperation and trust is a testament to Protected Contact management and positive reinforcement," says Kristy Eaker – Elephant Manager at The Sanctuary. In Protected Contact Management, Care Staff provides care for elephants using positive reinforcement. A physical fence barrier offers protection for both Staff and the elephants as they earn the trust of each elephant and learn their preferences while respecting their choice to participate in their care or simply walk away.
To ensure a safe introduction, Artie has the opportunity to interact with African elephants Flora, Tange, and Sukari through protected fencing. Staff reported the first time Artie and Flora saw each other, Artie reached his trunk towards her to get a good sniff and pressed himself up against the barrier. In a clear display of prestige, Flora tossed hay in his direction while trying to act “uninterested.” She spent several days afterward wandering up to the Plateau, trying to peek across the valley at her new herd mate without being noticed.
It has been a delight for Staff to witness Artie interact with others, roam his habitat, and watch as he exhibits many natural elephant behaviors. "Artie has been alert, listening, and exploring. He has taken to the habitat, already foraging, mudding and rolling in the mud, and even shoving on small pine trees," says Kristy.