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EleFact Friday: The Nutty Truth

Last week’s EleFACT Friday was all about busting the myth about pink elephants, and this week we’re back to challenge another widely held belief. Movies and tv shows have taught us that elephants’ snack of choice is peanuts, to the point that many people associate them with each other. But do peanuts actually exist in an elephant’s diet, and are they good for them?

The short answer: nope! As we humans may know, peanuts are fairly high in protein – so protein-packed that they shouldn’t exist in elephants’ diets. Research has been done in regards to how different foods affect elephant’s metabolic health and the science shows that they benefit from a low protein, high fiber diet. This is part of the reason why the elephants in the sanctuary (outside of their natural grazing) receive some fruits and vegetables, but mostly hay. Aside from the fact that peanuts don’t grow in the wild environments where elephants live, it’s just not a healthy option for the animals. Strangely enough, the shells of peanuts would be healthier than the legumes inside (although still not recommended.)

Better snacks for elephants, in addition to fruit and hay, would be grasses, shrubs, some grains, bamboo, or any natural greens they can find in the wild. 

This video shows Mara very adeptly selecting just which pieces of hay she wants to eat.

Comments(5)

  1. REPLY
    Carol says

    So interesting. Thank you, as always! Have a fabulous weekend!!!

  2. REPLY
    Julie says

    Happy Mara has the luxury to be so selective at ESB! Thanks very setting us straight on elephants and peanuts. What about mice? Did you potentially bust that myth yet?

    • REPLY
      Kat Blais says

      not yet 😉

  3. REPLY
    Meredith says

    This, right here, is a daily meditation. Nothing else in all the world gives me such joy and hope and grounding, every single day. Thank you. Blessings, Namaste.

  4. REPLY
    Polly Weber says

    Love EleFact Friday. Always impressed with how little I actually know.

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