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Here in Brazil, we’re fully into the dry season. For today’s EleFact Friday, we want to examine how elephants behave in the dry season in the wild versus here at the sanctuary. 

Most African elephants live in the savanna, similar to the female African habitat here at Elephant Sanctuary Brazil. As you have seen in pictures and videos, the environment is grassy with lots of trees. In the savanna, there is rain for six to eight months followed by four to six months of no rain, which is similar to what we’re experiencing now. 

On the savanna during the dry season, elephants eat leaves, twigs, and bark where they can find it. This is true for the elephants in sanctuary as well; the habitat here provides enough vines, branches, and patches of green grass, although we supplement with a larger amount of hay. 

The dry season affects the migratory patterns of wild elephants as well. African elephants typically migrate at the beginning of the dry season, between June and November, to head to more plentiful areas near rivers and water sources that may not dry out as easily. During a prolonged dry season in Africa, elephant migration distances have been recorded to extend over 100 km (62 miles). Studies documenting Asian elephants in deciduous forests of southern India, with numerous water sources, reported elephant migration of between 20 and 50 km (12 and 31 miles).

Elephants will dig to find water sources regardless of season, but that can be especially helpful in the dry season. By digging into dry stream beds, they can uncover water that is below the surface. Using their feet, tusks, and trunks, they may expose deeper wells of water not only for their own benefit, but for the benefit of other animals as well.

P.S.:The Trunks & Treasures auction is well underway, and our special live event—Behind the Journey to Sanctuary—is happening tomorrow, June 21st at 4 PM eastern. We’ll be livestreaming on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram with plenty of treats in store for you, including stories from the sanctuary team and updates on Kenya and Tamy from Scott and Kat! The 21st is also the deadline to purchase your GSE Grand Giveaway entries to win a trip to Elephant Sanctuary Brazil. We’ll be announcing the winner during the live broadcast, so be sure to tune into the livestream and join us for this special event to support Kenya and Tamy’s next steps to sanctuary.

Photo of Pupy walking through her habitat