Sandro Snacks on a Melon

We’re still discovering Sandro’s favorite foods. We learned from his zoo keepers that he likes papaya and bananas, and he seems to like his cooked veggies very much. We weren’t surprised to find that, like the other sanctuary residents, he loves watermelon. You can see that he picks up the fruit and crushes it into smaller pieces with his trunk. He doesn’t crunch the whole melon the same way that the other elephants at the sanctuary do, but he’s got a technique that works well for him.

While some of you may be concerned about whether or not Sandro has teeth, the answer is: we don’t know if he does or not. It’s possible that he has no top teeth and only portions of bottom teeth, but he seems very good at cracking open watermelons, though sometimes he eats only the flesh or drinks the juice rather than eating the rind (though he often ate the rind at the zoo).

Sandro will need to become accustomed to examinations and treatments before we can get a good look inside his mouth. In Asian elephants, it can be hard to get a visual on their teeth unless you can pull the cheeks out of the way or train them to open their mouths in a specific manner. Right now, we’re all becoming more comfortable with each other, so trust on everyone’s part is essential. But, as you can see, the fruit breaks apart easily enough that he has no trouble with his snack.

Comments(8)

Diane S. says
September 22, 2026 at 6:04 pm

Dearest Sandro ~~ It is magical to see you freely moving around the Sanctuary, doing things in your own way, on your own schedule. Thank you GSE for sharing this journey with all of us! 🐘🍉❤️
Johnny says
September 22, 2026 at 6:42 pm

I think you’re spoiling the boy. Keep up the good work.
Ada says
September 22, 2026 at 8:36 pm

Watermelon is yummy for your tummy Sandro! You’re really adjusting to your new life now. We all love this for you🥰
Wim says
September 23, 2026 at 2:15 am

What a gorgeous melon man. Enjoy your lovely fruits Sandro. I guess everything tastes wonderful when offered in love and freedom.
Patricia Bamford says
September 23, 2026 at 2:51 am

Not getting video on email
- REPLY
  Sara says
  September 23, 2026 at 12:55 pm
  
  Hmm. I’ll have to investigate. We didn’t do anything differently! In case it doesn’t show up, here’s the link. https://youtu.be/nnk_EZh8mJI
Beci says
September 23, 2026 at 1:10 pm

I’m telling you there was 1 video he opened his mouth and I saw a couple teeth on the left side. I know you have to see them for you but I’m positive. Good to see he’s enjoying his days. How’s Baby doing with the other girls?
- REPLY
  Sara says
  September 23, 2026 at 1:47 pm
  
  Elephants only have four molars and they can’t generally be seen unless the mouth is open all the way and the tongue is out or the cheeks are out of the way. So we haven’t seen them yet! Baby is doing great and has been engaging with the other girls, but in elephant time.

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