How to Care for an Elephant

Elephants require specialized care on a tremendous scale. From their feed to their skin care to their enormous need for water, only trained personnel should care for elephants. The U.S. highly regulates elephant care to ensure that these animals receive the proper attention they need for optimal health.

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

1. Provide the elephant with plenty of water-up to 200 liters a day. Supply more water in hot temperatures. Measure the water consumption, and make sure they are taking in extra water when it's hot.

2. Keep the elephant's drinking time stress-free to prevent any fighting or other aggressive behaviors. Provide water for showering while the elephant drinks.

3. Check the level of metals in the elephant's drinking water. Gauge the levels each morning to ensure that the water was not contaminated while in the pipes overnight. Test for copper and zinc along with any other metals.

4. Clean the elephant's skin each day. Include a cleaning and inspection of the ears, tusk pockets, hind legs, stomach and the skin surrounding the eyes.

5. Remove the dead skin from the back of your elephant with a brush, or soak it for a long period so the elephant can dislodge the skin itself.

6. Prevent the elephant from getting chilly after a shower. Dry your elephant before allowing it into cold air, or keep it indoors until it dries. In warm climates, let the sun dry it.

Resources

• Learn more about elephants at the Elephant Encyclopedia website.