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The elephant caregivers pay close attention to whether the elephants seem to want a change of scenery and then assist them in moving to another yard. If they’re content, they will often stay out in the larger yards for days, if not weeks. Sometimes they let us know when they’re ready for a switch by showing up near the barn–and that gives us a great opportunity to mix things up a little for them, which keeps their minds and bodies engaged.

The care team likes to bring Rana to the barn for regular foot soaks, even though she receives foot treatment daily in the annex when she is further away. There’s a foot jacuzzi in the barn, so it’s the only place we can offer that option. But Rana and Mara had been staying in the far side of Yard 4, not coming near the barn for a few days. In fact, the more interested we were in getting foot soaks scheduled, the farther the two elephants seemed to wander. We asked them to follow us to the barn on several occasions and they showed disinterest. 

On a recent night at dinner, we wanted to encourage Rana to come near, since when she’s close to the barn, she often gets into treatment mode and falls easily into the foot session routine. Caregivers asked Rana and Mara to follow them toward the yards near the barn, and the elephants started off walking quickly in that direction–and they got most of the way there–but then the girls discovered some hay that was spread in the habitat and stopped again. The care team “decorated” the yard with hay and treats, making sure to leave a trail of food from where the two elephants were standing into the back of Yard 3. So, ultimately they wound up coming back in on their own (with a little encouragement). Rana was able to have her foot soaks, and then we shifted the two friends over into Yard 5 for some new scenery.

P.S.: Pathfinders are the steady support behind sanctuary life, and we’re excited to share our refreshed membership program. Monthly donations starting at $10 help provide the daily care our elephants rely on, and now include special thank-you gifts from us and member perks. Whether you’re new to Pathfinders, renewing, or upgrading, we have something just for you. Learn more and join the herd today.