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It’s Raining Mangoes!

We’re only  a couple of weeks into mango season, and have begun collecting crates of them so we can share some of our abundance with the animals in the area. Once several crates have been collected, they are put on the back of a 4-wheeler and two caregivers head off down the hill – one driving and one just lobbing mangoes into the grass and out of the habitat. This way the wild tapirs and other animals who don’t come into the yard looking for fruit will still get to enjoy some mangoes. 

The caregivers will also toss some mangoes randomly into the habitat when they go out to clean the yards. These are surprise mangoes that aren’t put into the elephants’ treat buckets, so finding one is like an actual prize in an unexpected place. Well, a nice surprise for those who like mangoes, at least.

The elephants who enjoy mangoes are also the girls who like jackfruit. Lady, Maia, and Rana love them; Bambi turns her nose up to them; Mara isn’t a fan. Each day, treat buckets are put together for each elephant and Mara’s is very carefully measured out. Some caregivers put mangoes in Mara’s crate and, not only does she not eat them, but she actually seems a bit displeased at the offering. Soon the scent of overripe mangoes will take over the sanctuary and we will be ready to wish the season goodbye. But we are always excited when mangoes appear again each year, for a little while at least.

Photo of Maia not hesitating to snack.

Comments(10)

  1. REPLY
    Susan Flewelling says

    Sounds like everyone has a blast! Must be a great feeling knowing the mangos will be such a treatfor all.

  2. REPLY
    Bill says

    Trick or treat with mangoes.

  3. REPLY
    Katie Howard says

    Mara knows what she likes – and what she doesn’t! (Actually, I’m with her on this one. I love all fruit – except mangos! They make my mouth itchy.)
    Also, since when has Maia not enjoyed a snack! 😁😊🐘😊

  4. REPLY
    Suzanne Eaton says

    What do they do with the big mango seeds?

    • REPLY
      Kat Blais says

      the elephants eat them. except Rana who spits them out sometimes. all of the smaller animals spit them out.

  5. REPLY
    Patricia says

    😘😘😘😘😘

  6. REPLY
    Tammy says

    Yummy! I do have a question since elephants eat fruit with large seeds inside how do they digest them without getting blockages or tummy aches? Thank you for such adorable pictures and cute stories too! 🐘💞🤗

    • REPLY
      Kat Blais says

      very large intestines 🙂

  7. REPLY
    Carey says

    Mmmmmm I share a love of mangoes, Alphonso mangoes grown in India are like nectar! Glad some of the girls like them as they are nutritious, and great to hear that you share with the wildlife good idea.

  8. REPLY
    John says

    I’m jealous!

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