True Elephant Welfare in
Modern-Day Circuses
In human care, It is crucial that Elephants are provided the best care. Free Contact allows Elephants and caregivers interact and work together. With Free Contact, Foot and Skin care is achieved well. "Sanctuaries" use Protected contact, limiting the access to work with elephants. They believe Foot care and Skin care come naturally, even in managed care.
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HUSBANDRY TOOLS & METHODS:
Ankus/Elephant Guide:
The Guide, when used properly and professionally, is NOT to Inflict pain on the Elephant. The guide merely extends a handler's reach so s/he may touch, push, or tug at various parts of the elephant's body or cue a certain behavior. Sometimes contact with specific areas of the body is sought, which will elicit an avoidance movement by the elephant; this movement is paired with verbal commands and reinforcement such as food or praise to reduce or eliminate the need for further physical contact.
Just like a Dog's leash or Reins for a horse, The Guide is a Second reinforcement or a Lead. Some handlers have misused the true use of this tool and because of it, People believe the Guide is ONLY some "weapon" to abuse the Elephant, which is FALSE.
The hook and pointed end of the Guide are not Sharp, but dull and CANNOT pierce an Elephant's skin at all.
The Curved or hook end is used to bring the elephant towards it's trainer and the straight end cues the elephant to move away. The Guide may also cue the elephant where to go and what place to be.
The Guide is REQUIRED by the USDA and also, Test-approved and certified by The American Veterinary Association. It has been used in the handling of elephants for thousands of years and is not a weapon.
(LEARN MORE HERE -->
https://bringingnoseyhome.weebly.com/newsarticles/the-truth-about-the-bullhook)
-------------------------------------
HUSBANDRY TOOLS & METHODS:
Ankus/Elephant Guide:
The Guide, when used properly and professionally, is NOT to Inflict pain on the Elephant. The guide merely extends a handler's reach so s/he may touch, push, or tug at various parts of the elephant's body or cue a certain behavior. Sometimes contact with specific areas of the body is sought, which will elicit an avoidance movement by the elephant; this movement is paired with verbal commands and reinforcement such as food or praise to reduce or eliminate the need for further physical contact.
Just like a Dog's leash or Reins for a horse, The Guide is a Second reinforcement or a Lead. Some handlers have misused the true use of this tool and because of it, People believe the Guide is ONLY some "weapon" to abuse the Elephant, which is FALSE.
The hook and pointed end of the Guide are not Sharp, but dull and CANNOT pierce an Elephant's skin at all.
The Curved or hook end is used to bring the elephant towards it's trainer and the straight end cues the elephant to move away. The Guide may also cue the elephant where to go and what place to be.
The Guide is REQUIRED by the USDA and also, Test-approved and certified by The American Veterinary Association. It has been used in the handling of elephants for thousands of years and is not a weapon.
(LEARN MORE HERE -->
https://bringingnoseyhome.weebly.com/newsarticles/the-truth-about-the-bullhook)
Tethering/Chains:
Tethering an Elephant is like placing an Elephant on a temporary leash or lead when not being supervised. Although chain links are common - Ropes or Nylon can also be used.
Tethering is ONLY done for short periods, usually no more than 30 minutes to an hour. This Method is required by the USDA and the Animal Welfare Act, as it keeps both the Public and the Elephant safe. Tethering prevents the Elephant from wondering off, trespassing onto someone's land or getting into anything dangerous. It can also prevent Elephants from stealing each others food or water, and when traveling it prevents an Elephant from falling over and keeps them secure.
When tethered, It is required by the USDA (or other federal organizations) not to be very tight to be harmful to the Elephant. It must allow them to at least move a few steps forwards and backwards, as well as lay down. Elephants in human care are very used to tethering and it is not uncomfortable for them.
Tethering an Elephant is like placing an Elephant on a temporary leash or lead when not being supervised. Although chain links are common - Ropes or Nylon can also be used.
Tethering is ONLY done for short periods, usually no more than 30 minutes to an hour. This Method is required by the USDA and the Animal Welfare Act, as it keeps both the Public and the Elephant safe. Tethering prevents the Elephant from wondering off, trespassing onto someone's land or getting into anything dangerous. It can also prevent Elephants from stealing each others food or water, and when traveling it prevents an Elephant from falling over and keeps them secure.
When tethered, It is required by the USDA (or other federal organizations) not to be very tight to be harmful to the Elephant. It must allow them to at least move a few steps forwards and backwards, as well as lay down. Elephants in human care are very used to tethering and it is not uncomfortable for them.
Enclosures:
Most of the time, Tethering is not needed.
Most Elephants are given wide open enclosures, and given enrichment toys, like Tires or Logs to keep them simulated mentally and physically throughout the day.
They may also provide Sand piles and Mud Wallows.
Enclosures are surrounded by thick fencing or electric wire fencing to keep the elephants from escaping or endangering others. Here they get to walk on grass and the earth. They are rarely on asphalt or concrete, plus With multiple elephants, They do get to socialize, eat and play around with each other. These Enclosures are also open to the public to get close to the animals. Enclosures do allow more movement and give the elephant freedom to graze if grass or trees are around. Enclosures may also include a Tent as a "Barn space", giving them protection from the sun and to shelter them.
Most of the time, Tethering is not needed.
Most Elephants are given wide open enclosures, and given enrichment toys, like Tires or Logs to keep them simulated mentally and physically throughout the day.
They may also provide Sand piles and Mud Wallows.
Enclosures are surrounded by thick fencing or electric wire fencing to keep the elephants from escaping or endangering others. Here they get to walk on grass and the earth. They are rarely on asphalt or concrete, plus With multiple elephants, They do get to socialize, eat and play around with each other. These Enclosures are also open to the public to get close to the animals. Enclosures do allow more movement and give the elephant freedom to graze if grass or trees are around. Enclosures may also include a Tent as a "Barn space", giving them protection from the sun and to shelter them.
TRAINING AND POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT:
Circus Elephants are trained through Positive Reinforcement and building an everlasting bond with it's handler, NOT by Fear. With Fear, An Elephant will constantly refuse and will attack, or kill easily. Handling and caring for Elephants is like handling Children, you must be loving yet strict when needed. Like dogs, Elephants respond to Vocal phrases and commands. In fact, Elephants can recognize over 100 vocal commands. Performing has been proven to keep the Elephant's mind and body simulated and gives them more exercise. The Tricks that are taught to Elephants are based on their Natural Behaviors. Elephants do stand on their hind legs to reach the tops of trees and even do headstands to create large holes with their heads. Elephant even seem to enjoy climbing onto barrels or balls and balancing on them. They are not "exploited" for money. Elephants and their handlers merely work together, just like one would with their horse or dog. The money raised in Circuses actually go to charity or to conservation funds globally, and of course, food or care for the animals.
Circus Elephants are trained through Positive Reinforcement and building an everlasting bond with it's handler, NOT by Fear. With Fear, An Elephant will constantly refuse and will attack, or kill easily. Handling and caring for Elephants is like handling Children, you must be loving yet strict when needed. Like dogs, Elephants respond to Vocal phrases and commands. In fact, Elephants can recognize over 100 vocal commands. Performing has been proven to keep the Elephant's mind and body simulated and gives them more exercise. The Tricks that are taught to Elephants are based on their Natural Behaviors. Elephants do stand on their hind legs to reach the tops of trees and even do headstands to create large holes with their heads. Elephant even seem to enjoy climbing onto barrels or balls and balancing on them. They are not "exploited" for money. Elephants and their handlers merely work together, just like one would with their horse or dog. The money raised in Circuses actually go to charity or to conservation funds globally, and of course, food or care for the animals.
DAILY CARE:
Every day, Circus Elephants are provided with Fresh Food and Water. Elephants eat Hay, Grains, Fruits, Vegetables and other plant matter. They consume 200 to 400 pounds of Food and over 50-60 gallons of Water each day. They are NEVER deprived of the proper food and water they need. If they are not provided with enough food or water, They will not have the energy to do anything. It is important to provide food and water throughout the day and night.
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Hygiene is very important for Elephants. Each day, Circus Elephants receive Baths at least once or twice a day. Handlers use wire brushes and large buckets of soap to clean and brush them. They even clean their ears. Elephants enjoy getting their own spa treatment. Not only are Baths important but so is maintaining their Foot Care. Handlers brush off their feet and file their toenails to keep their feet healthy and fresh. The bond between the elephants and their caregivers is what makes their amazing care possible!
Every day, Circus Elephants are provided with Fresh Food and Water. Elephants eat Hay, Grains, Fruits, Vegetables and other plant matter. They consume 200 to 400 pounds of Food and over 50-60 gallons of Water each day. They are NEVER deprived of the proper food and water they need. If they are not provided with enough food or water, They will not have the energy to do anything. It is important to provide food and water throughout the day and night.
--
Hygiene is very important for Elephants. Each day, Circus Elephants receive Baths at least once or twice a day. Handlers use wire brushes and large buckets of soap to clean and brush them. They even clean their ears. Elephants enjoy getting their own spa treatment. Not only are Baths important but so is maintaining their Foot Care. Handlers brush off their feet and file their toenails to keep their feet healthy and fresh. The bond between the elephants and their caregivers is what makes their amazing care possible!
EXCELLENT VIDEOS TO WATCH FOR MORE INFORMATION:
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