Cold Popsicles On a Warm Day

Because of the warm weather, the elephants are using the mud wallows and ponds frequently. Recently, Mara was in the pond at least three times in a day and Lady was taking leisurely dips as well. In addition to having plenty of water to cool down with, we also give them cold treats as replenishing snacks.

“Popsicles” made of Gatorade or coconut water and fruit pieces are the order of the day. Some of the girls prefer a frozen watermelon instead – and Bambi isn’t always a fan of frozen things, depending on the contents. Nevertheless, they’re all offered different options to hydrate with, in addition to all of the water sources around.

We also make sure that the caregivers are staying as cool as possible. They always keep lots of water on them and they’re taking shorter shifts on the hottest days. But they have popsicles at the ready as well. While theirs aren’t homemade, we keep them in freezers at the barn, in the elephant kitchen, and at the office, should anyone want a little extra pick-me-up on a scorching afternoon. So we say: popsicles all around!

Photo of Mara and her watermelon

Comments(6)

Tammy says
October 5, 2023 at 2:26 pm
I love that! Yummy cold treats on a hot day doesn’t get any better than that! Frozen watermelons is a genius idea the way the girls love their melon it’s sure to cool them off and quick, enjoy everyone!
Julie says
October 5, 2023 at 4:13 pm
Your poetic post conjures up summers of my youth. Happy these ladies get to experience such lovely days here on earth!
Terry says
October 5, 2023 at 10:08 pm
Stay as cool as you can be and focus on RAIN!!!
Charlotte Hansen says
October 6, 2023 at 12:45 am
GSE takes such good care of the ladies!
Diana Weyland says
October 6, 2023 at 4:06 pm
Me llama la atención las referencias frecuentes al calor. Creí que los elefantes lo toleraban bien por su procedencia africana. ¿De cuántos grados centígrados estamos hablando?
- REPLY
  Kat Blais says
  October 6, 2023 at 7:01 pm
  Each elephant is different and their tolerance can be affected by age, where they lived most of their life, age and ability to regulate temperature (which can be affected if they are very young or very old), and health status. Right now it’s about 34C, which is hotter than it normally gets. But also, we only house African elephants. Their heat tolerance is different and their ability to get rid of heat from their body isn’t as efficient. What allows African elephants to get rid of heat is their very large ears, which Asian elephants don’t have. Their ears are much smaller. So there is a lot that goes into it. It’s not dangerously hot for the elephants, but by the end of the dry season they are definitely ready for the rain. ☺️

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