Elephants want (and need) to have fun

As a circus performer, Dumbo has one job – to perform. And while he may be a one-trick elephant, it’s a darn good trick.

At the Phoenix Zoo, the keepers are busy performing for the elephants. It’s called “behavior enrichment” and keepers employ various tactics to keep the elephants active while bringing out behaviors seen in the wild.

Each morning a small tractor churns up the enclosure’s terrain, just to give the elephants a different texture. It also rearranges the logs and tree trunks for a new look. Each day keepers enhance living spaces. One day they’ll scatter herbs and spices, a scented treat. The next they may add a new toy (tires are a favorite), or smear grape jam on various surfaces.

It’s all about keeping it fresh and unpredictable, just as in nature but without the predators.