With the arrival of spring, warmer days are bringing new energy across the habitats. Fresh green grass has emerged, and elephants have been observed spending more time grazing, resting, and exploring.
In celebration, seasonal enrichment has been added to these moments! Care Staff provided woven baskets made from grapevine and privet, filled with a variety of produce including sweet potatoes, apples, carrots, beets, and celery. Billie approached her basket right away, Ronnie and Debbie spent time locating their baskets, then all methodically explored and consumed the produce before returning to other activities.
While observing Sissy's discovery of a Boomer ball filled with hay and decorated with the season's florals and bamboo, Care Staff noted that Sissy participates in the enrichment activities at her own pace. As a geriatric elephant, Sissy has age-related health considerations, such as advanced arthritis impacting her mobility and ability to lie down to rest. Sissy was relocated to Willow to support more specialized care, and overall, she is doing well, utilizing a range of spaces including exploration of nearby wooded areas. Willow Habitat offers flatter terrain, which is well-suited for an elephant with mobility limitations. With focus on her comfort and encouraging opportunities for recumbent rest, Care Staff have made a number of modifications, including refreshed indoor sand, additional substrate options, and a custom headrest to support her while resting standing.
Because Willow Barn is a quieter, more private area of The Sanctuary, Sissy may not appear on EleCams as frequently as in the past; however, she remains active, engaged, and closely monitored by our team each day.