Elephants Elephants - Wildpro - Twycross Zoo

These commands allow routine good husbandry procedures, such as close examination
of the calf’s skin, eyes, mouth, teeth, tusk sockets, ears and feet. Additional to
examination, the routine cleaning of these areas called ‘the scrub routine’ which is
introduced to the calf at this stage has three important functions. The obvious one is to
clean the calf so that it can be examined for early warning of skin problems, as an
elephant caked in mud cannot be properly examined. Secondly it desensitises the calf
to being touched which makes veterinary procedures possible on any part of the body
when necessary. Lastly, the scrub routine is important for gaining the calf’s trust, to
build a relationship between the keeper and the elephant. The scrub routine requires
the calf to present each the following in a safe and controlled manner for cleaning with
a hand brush; from left to right around the calf; eyes (always done first with clean
water), left ear, left front elbow, left front foot, left rear leg, left rear foot, tail, right rear
leg, right rear foot, right front elbow, right front foot and right ear. The scrub routine is
an essential husbandry tool this gets the calf used to close human contact while
receiving commands and standing still whilst keepers work around it, allowing a calm
and controlled working environment.
The calf is now ready to be taught the command “STRETCH”. Using the hook and
continually giving the command stretch the trainer will
rub the top of the calves back with the hook.
Gradually the calf will want to move away down from
this while the calf moves closer to the ground the calf is
heavily rewarded.
Once stretch is in place the command “LIE DOWN” can
be introduced to either side of its body, pulling gently on
the hook to encourage the calf to move in the required
direction, again once the calf does this it is rewarded.
Fig. 7. Calf being washed in the
stretch position.
The training of behaviours can vary from calf to calf, some learn quicker than others,
some are not as patient or consistent or determined. As soon as a behaviour is
performed consistently, the command is in place and the rewards can be reduced. The
training of the elephant calves at Chester Zoo is carried out to allow us to give them a
high standard of care. Behaviours are only trained that significantly improve the care
and welfare of the elephant. These behaviours require an enormous amount of
kindness and patience and the results are achieved through the elephant calf enjoying
the training sessions.
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