With the arrival of spring, bringing warmer and sunnier days, Donna seized the opportunity to venture beyond her usual preferred habitat areas.
With the virtual support of her Care Staff (and volunteers cheering her on via EleCam), Donna embarked on her first journey all the way to the farthest reach of the East Habitat and back, foraging on the emerging spring grasses along the way. As Donna continues to integrate into both the herd and her habitat, frequently exploring her new surroundings independently, Care Staff has noticed her carrying the tire she brought from California less and less — a positive sign of her increasing comfort and acclimatization.
With each passing day, Staff have been gaining deeper insights into Donna, who is increasingly revealing her vibrant personality. Donna’s Caregivers have observed her making full use of a pulley system, which hangs preferred snacks and foods, providing enrichment in the barns for the elephants — especially when bamboo is involved. Furthermore, Staff have witnessed her successfully retrieving food from more challenging enrichment items, including when the height of the pulley is raised, often sparking the interest of the elephants who may be seeking a challenge. This enrichment not only keeps Donna and the others mentally and physically stimulated when she opts to remain inside the barn, but also indicates Donna’s growing comfort in interacting with her environment.
Donna’s herd mates Sukari and Tange have also been highly active this season, leaving their mark around The Sanctuary. The pair has turned their attention to foraging from trees, consuming twigs, roots, and bark, leaving tusk marks as they go. Elephants strip bark from large trees for many reasons, and it is a welcomed natural elephant behavior at The Sanctuary.
Bark can contain nutrients that are essential for an elephant's diet. By debarking trees, elephants can access these nutrients and the trees' water content, helping them stay hydrated. Bark, especially the inner layers, can contain fibers that aid in digestion, promoting and regulating their digestive system. Debarking trees can also serve as a form of behavioral enrichment for elephants. It provides them with mental stimulation and helps satisfy their instinct to explore and interact with their environment.