On August 15, 2020, we weighed Tom, an African Bush Elephant (male, 11 years old). This was Tom's sixth weight measurement this year.

Until last year, Tomu would move smoothly onto the scale, but this year was different. As soon as we started the weighing process, he became wary and turned back before reaching the scale, peeking out from the room. So, to ease his wariness, we placed some of his usual treats, such as apples and oranges, on the ground and tried again. Even then, Tomu would pick up the treats and immediately go back.

However, as the number of weighing sessions increased, Tomu's wariness lessened, and after about 40 minutes, he finally stepped onto the scale. The average of the four measurements was 3,995 kg. Compared to last year's 3,550 kg, this is an increase of 405 kg. African Bush Elephant are said to gain about 1 kg per day until they reach adulthood, so this clearly shows that Tomu's growth is progressing very well.


Weight measurement
Have you ever wondered what the pink fence on the left side of the enclosure is when you visit Tama Zoo to see African Bush Elephant? This fence, called a PC Wall (Protected Contact Wall), is a facility that allows animal keeper to safely treat and train the elephants. It's not just for separating people from African Bush Elephant; it has frames that allow the elephants' feet and ears to stick out, enabling procedures such as hoof trimming and blood sampling from behind the ears.

We also treat Tomu's tusks daily via this PC wall. However, elephants don't just readily expose their feet or ears without any prompting; daily training is necessary. For example, we follow a set procedure of washing their feet with water and then using a brush to remove dirt from their hooves. We also check their ears by touching them to ensure there are no injuries. By conducting this kind of training every day, we can provide treatment immediately when needed.

Foot disinfection		Check the condition of your ears		Treating Tomu's fangs

You can observe the training and treatments from the observation deck near African Bush Elephant enclosure, but we have one request. When the elephants are at the PC wall, please be quiet as sudden loud noises or voices can startle them. During treatment, animal keeper are very close to the elephants, and if the elephants are startled and move suddenly, it could lead to injuries to people. When observing the elephants from the observation deck, please be quiet and respectful.

Related articles
　Weight measurement of African Bush Elephant "Tomu" and elephants in midsummer (September 14, 2018)
　Tomu, who will soon turn 10, continues to receive treatment for his fangs (March 8, 2019)
　The sleeping place of African Bush Elephant "Tomu" and the death of Chiki (January 10, 2010)

[Yuta Yamamoto Tama Zoo, Tama Zoological Park]

(September 18, 2020)