DID YOU KNOW... An elephant can drink up to 50 gallons of water a day, mostly consumed in the mornings and evenings. When it is hot, they may want to wet their whistle more often. Fresh, clean water is always provided for drinking or a refreshing bath. In the wild, elephants must walk long distances to find enough food and water. Walking such distances usually prevents their foot pads and nails from overgrowing. Our elephants receive a monthly pedicure, during which their foot pads are trimmed, and toenails are filed smooth and round. The way to an elephant’s heart is definitely by what’s on the menu. An adult elephant can eat 200 pounds of food per day. This includes hay, grain, fruits and vegetables. Carrots, apples and watermelons are some of these elephants’ favorite snacks.

While both male and female African elephants grow large tusks, only the male Asian elephant will have prominent ivory. Female Asian elephants may have small tusks, or none at all. The tusks continuously grow, just like our fingernails. We trim the tips of the tusks regularly to promote sturdy, healthy growth.

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