Providing Veterinary and Husbandry Care to Elephants in Protected Contact

The Sanctuary employs full-time, professional Veterinary and Husbandry staff who care for the elephants in a protected contact system, which means Caregivers and elephants never share the same physical space.

When an elephant is exploring far reaches of their habitat, Caregivers will bring their meals to them and provide health care at protected contact training walls found throughout the habitats.

Training walls offer protection for both the Caregiver and the elephant and also help to build trust. At The Sanctuary, elephants actively participate in their own health care through a system of positive reinforcement and food rewards. Caregivers use soft bamboo target poles and vocal cues to ask the elephants to present their feet, ears, tusks and bodies for inspection and care. This freedom of choice, without fear of punishment, is vital to the elephants’ well-being.

The elephants also learn to follow Care Staff’s instructions for shifting in and out of the barn, rotating yards, or rearranging social groups. The elephants’ cooperation and participation allow us to provide individual care, give them access to different habitat areas, and offer more socialization opportunities.



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