It's been two and a half years since we started training Asian Elephant at Tama Zoo using a fence called a "PC Wall." It may seem like we're repeating the same thing every day, but in reality, we're making gradual progress. Let me give you an update on the training.


Amara wearing an anklet. Vidura is also practicing to achieve a similar look...
Vidura, an 8-year-old male, has been working hard on his tethering training, which he initially disliked. Six months ago, Vidura would even hate it if a thin rope touched his body, but through gradual practice, he has now become able to wear an anklet. At first, we repeatedly put it on and took it off to get him used to the process at his feet, and gradually increased the time he wore it. Currently, the training is being done indoors, but as he gets used to wearing it for longer periods, he will be able to wear it outdoors as well. If you see Vidura wearing an anklet, we hope you'll think, "His training is progressing!"


Amara is in training. I'll wash her hind legs while keeping an eye on her.
Amara (11 years old), a female, has been progressing a bit inconsistently, and although we don't know the reason, she has recently been having trouble putting her hind legs out properly. In times like these, persistently urging her to "legs, legs!!" will only be counterproductive.

Going back to the beginning, gently guiding them by saying, "Put it out here," and praising them with "That's right, that's good," when they extend their leg, they will gradually start extending it again. When I encounter situations like this from time to time, I feel as if the elephants are telling me to "return to basics," and it gives me a chance to reflect on whether I've become complacent in my attitude towards the work, perhaps because the elephants have been doing well lately.


It's hard to see, but during the Anura foot bath...
The male "Anura" (62 years old), who is indeed over 60 years old, is unfazed by most things, and his training progresses smoothly. Recently, he has been practicing limb bathing and applying medicine to his tail.

When bathing her legs, we have her put her feet in a large tub and fill the tub with hot water to create a "footbath" of sorts. This training is necessary to stimulate blood circulation and for the medicinal bath. At first, he was wary of the unfamiliar tub, but he soon got used to it and now puts his feet in the tub with the command "foot" given by animal keeper.

We apply medicine to Anura's tail not only to prevent possible injuries, but also to soften her skin with a kind of hand cream in the hope that it will grow back, since she currently has no hair on her tail. The elephants cannot see their tails, so at first they were startled and tried to run away when we touched them, but now they don't mind when we splash water on them, scrub them with a brush, or apply the medicine.

So - and this is how my recent training has been going. When I look back on my previous training, I am deeply impressed by how much I have progressed ....... I will continue my training and report on my progress from time to time.
See related article, "Asian Elephant in Tama, What's your weakest training menu?" (May 30, 2015)

Tama Zoo Satomi Takamura, Breeding and Exhibition Section, South Park]

(December 18, 2015)