Rachel Saunders

Protected Contact Elephant Training with
Alan Roocroft
20 th - 25 th October 2009
By Rachel Saunders
K.S.P Elephant Section Team- Andy Fowler (Head of Section) A.Fowler@Knowsley.com
Steven Scott (Deputy Head of Section) S.Scott@Knowsley.com
Stephen Cunningham (Keeper) S.Cunningham@Knowsley.com
Rachel Saunders (Keeper) R.Saunders@Knowsley.com
Knowsley Safari Park, Prescot, Merseyside, L34 4AN
The African Elephant Cows at Knowsley Safari Park were being kept in a ‘Free-Contact’
management system with no training regime, and the bull in ‘No-Contact’. In the previous couple
of years we had discussed the problems that arose and could arise if we needed to administer any
veterinary care i.e. sedation would be needed for minor treatments. The elephant team and animal
management staff came to the agreement that Protected Contact Training would be our way
forward. We enlisted the help of Elephant Consultant, Alan Roocroft, who helped us plan the PC
Wall and Chute. Alan joined us for two intensive training periods, the outcomes of which are as
follows
DAY ONE- Tuesday 20 th October
• Discussed general aims, to initiate Protective Contact (PC) training with Buta and Nissim,
to learn the protocols and principles of PC training
• Alan Roocroft (AR) will be the principle trainer initially to allow keepers to ‘watch and
learn’
• 4 training sessions per elephant
• Chopped apples used as a reward. Bread or large fruit/vegetable reward for major steps
and at the end of the session. Rewards held in a bucket initially then a belly pouch
• Target sticks made from 4foot and 6foot bamboo canes with a taped bobble end
• All sessions recorded onto digital camera and photographic records kept.

Figure 1: Reward food items
Figure 2: Video Camera
NISSIM
• The first and second sessions were spent walking Nissim from one end of the PC wall to
the other. When Nissim responded to the command ‘Nissim Come’, he was rewarded and
praised.
• Nissim was calm and came close-up to the PC wall with his head and responded well in a
focused way.
• Whilst moving Nissim around the facility, he was held at stations to allow safe
opening/closing of gates. He rushed a few of the gates so this behaviour will not be
encouraged
• Between the 1 st and 2 nd sessions Nissim was moved into his night pen and Buta brought
into the PC pen. Between the 2 nd -4 th sessions Nissim was held in the bull yard and finally
released into the paddock with the herd.
• Short sessions were held at Gate 2 (see gate plan Appendix 1) and also at Gate 3 to see if
a more positive response was obtained.
• In the 3 rd and 4 th sessions the target stick was introduced, but Nissim was not keen on this
at all and flung his trunk at it. He became impatient, lost attention and began pacing, as if
he had a phobia of the target. Without the target he performed again.
BUTA
• Buta showed high levels of aggression, charging the bars, hurtling about screaming and
rushing the gates, she is not used to being separated from the herd
• Both elephants seemed to dislike the area of the PC wall where vision is blocked by heavy
steelwork i.e. the keeper gate and by Gate 4- hopefully in time they will get used to this
• As each session progressed Buta calmed down and did not hurtle about or scream
• 1 st session- Buta responded to command ‘Buta Come’ and was rewarded and praised,
even when she showed aggression on approach
• 2 nd session- Introduction of the target stick. She learnt quickly to come in close and touch
the target onto her head. Any unwanted behaviours including bashing the target or lifting
her trunk were not reinforced.
• 3 rd and 4 th sessions were shorter, just reinforcing learnt behaviours. Buta wanted to return
quickly to the herd
Conclusions-
• Overcoming Nissim’s phobia is key to progression
• Alan stated aggressive bulls are easier to train

• Buta was trained in free contact many years ago, so may be remembering some of the
commands, whereas Nissim has never bee trained before
• ‘Wild herd’ difficult to hold by Gate 15. Alan advised us not to lob food to the
elephants, but to throw it in a line by the fence and call the elephants, allowing them
to come in an order they are comfortable with
DAY 2- Wednesday 21 st October
NISSIM
• 4 training sessions
• Continued trying to introduce target to Nissim, but he only let it touch his head a couple
of times
• Nissim followed up and down the PC wall on command
• During the final session he responded to ‘Trunk Up’ and allowed the target to briefly
touch the underside of his trunk
BUTA
• 4 training sessions, each short and sharp to reinforce good learnt behaviours
• Buta showed slight aggression a.m but no screaming or charging, and she settled quickly
into the routine of coming to target along the PC wall.
• Foot target introduced, she was slightly curious about the target but quite comfortable
with it touching her foot
Conclusions-
• Sessions becoming shorter in duration
• Attention spans of the elephants need to be considered
• Nissim progressing slowly and warming to the target, Alan aims to overcome Nissim’s
phobia of the target to be conquered by desensitizing the underside of his trunk and
gradually moving it round to the top of his head i.e. building trust
• Buta has calmed down immensely, is learning quickly, and is so keen that she does not
want to go back out
• Keepers more confident with gate procedures and general protocol of training,
communication is key
DAY 3- Thursday 22 nd October
• 3 sessions per elephant due to realistic aims i.e. staffing levels, time available and
elephant attention spans
• Peter Litchfield and Jen Quayle (Vet, Rose Cottage Veterinary Surgery) observed a
session. Jen keen to observe more to see how this will benefit healthcare of the elephants
• Opened Gate 12 so Buta returns to the herd more readily after sessions due to a more
direct route
• Opened Gate 15 so cows can be fed further away when Buta is brought in for training and
out onto the yard
NISSIM
• Shorter sessions today

• Focused on ‘Trunk Up’ command. Nissim allowed the target to be rubbed on his trunk.
Alan will gradually move the target round to Nissim’s head
• Nissim moving on command to the target and eager to impress
Figure 3: Nissim showing 'trunk up' and allowing Alan
to rub the target on the underside of his trunk
BUTA
• Short, sharp sessions
• Introducing the foot target and the command ‘Lift’. Any foot movement was rewarded.
• Opened lowest foot port in keeper gate to get her used to this being open i.e. her being
able to see Alan’s legs. This unsettled her a little but she quickly realized it was not a
threat and moved around the pen as requested
• No gate charging or aggression at all
• She went straight out no problem now Gate 12 is open, she seemed calmer now with the
herd
• One of the sessions was performed without Nissim in the building, she was a little
concerned but once in the rhythm of the training session she responded well
Conclusions-
• Continue persisting with Nissim
• Continue to encourage ‘Lift’ with Buta
• Keepers and elephants learning the routine well and more confident with each day
• Timing and positioning are key, especially for Buta to get the foot lift.
DAY 4- Friday 23 rd October
NISSIM
• 3 sessions focusing on moving Nissim along the PC wall and through gates without
charging them
• ‘Trunk Up’ command repeated and gently increased the amount of times the target made
contact with the underside of his trunk
• Nissim drew himself closer to the PC wall and as the day progressed he allowed the target
to move around the side of his trunk to his forehead. On occasion he did not lift his trunk
at all and went straight to the head target
• Excellent progression, his phobia is decreasing steadily and trust is being earnt
BUTA

• 3 sessions focusing on moving Buta along the PC wall and through gates without
charging them
• Continued ‘target’ and ‘lift/foot’ commands. Alan encouraged Buta to work harder for the
rewards and she is now lifting both front feet at any point on the PC wall. She can lift her
feet quite high, but for now we will only open the lowest foot port until she learns to hold
her foot in that position
• Buta was a little unsettled when she did not understand, or her timing/positioning were
not precise
• Andy Fowler completed Buta’s final training session as the trainer. He successfully
moved Buta along the PC wall, she remained calm and focused and responded to head
target
Figure 4: Buta performing Front Left Foot lift Figure 5: Buta performing Front Right Foot lift
Figure 6: Buta performing FRF in foot port
Figure 7: Buta performing FLF in foot port
Conclusions-
• All keepers practiced holding and positioning the 2 targets along the PC wall
• Continued positive progression for both elephants and keepers.
• Timing and positioning are key for Buta’s progression
• Patience and persistence are key to build trust for Nissim
• Discussed training post-Alan’s visit, if we are understaffed training sessions will not be
performed but elephants will be held to target whilst opening gates to prevent elephants
charging gates therefore promoting keeper safety. Training is most practical with three

elephant keepers- one target trainer, one to operate gates and one to move the rest of the
herd away from gates.
DAY 5- Saturday 24 th October
NISSIM
• 3 training sessions
• Nissim is coming straight to the head target and will follow the target, not the trainer.
• ‘Trunk-up’ is not being rewarded so Nissim learns to break this habit
• Introduced the foot target to him
• Chunky (Stephen Cunningham) completed a full training session with Nissim
• Nissim seems content with training and more confident once in the main herd again. Also
his levels of pacing have dropped when in the bull yard between sessions
• Whilst held in his night pen between sessions if he stands stationary with hay, this will
indicate he is more relaxed and not reverting to pacing behaviours
Figure 8: Nissim coming to head target
BUTA
• 3 training sessions
• Buta is continuing to follow the head target and lift both front feet along the PC wall and
through the foot port
• Buta seemed a little unfocussed and agitated with Alan but more productive with Andy
due to keeper/elephant relationship
• Andy completed a full training session with Buta. She is holding her foot steady for a
longer period of time in the foot port
• Buta much calmer out with the herd and enjoying spending time with Nissim
Figure 9: Andy training Buta
Conclusions-
• Both elephants improving dramatically and seem to want to please

• Andy and Chunky both getting to grips with the targets, commands and accurate timing
and positioning
• A floodlight has been fitted above the trainer area to illuminate the trainer so the elephants
can see the trainer clearer
• Keeper-For-A-Day present a.m, and enjoyed hearing about our aims and was impressed
with our achievements. We are trying to continue all normal events so the elephants are
unphased by new faces or sounds etc
• Jen (Vet) came to observe the first session, and Alan showed her some footage of PC
training further down the line at another collection to show Jen what can be achieved. We
will continue to involve her throughout the whole process
• Peter has visited periodically each day to see progress
DAY 6- Sunday 25 th October
• 3 sessions per elephant
• Reward food preparation more organized. Scotty is making a table for food
preparation/storage of PC equipment
• New floodlight in PC area is a success, illuminating the keeper so the elephants feel more
secure
NISSIM
• Chunky performed the full training regime so far- moving Nissim along the PC wall to
come to the head target, and also the introduction of the 2 nd target through the foot port
Figure10: Chunky holding Nissim to a head target
BUTA
• Andy performed the full training regime so far- moving Buta along the PC wall to target
and lifting both front feet to the 2 nd target along the wall and through the foot port
Figure11: Andy moving Buta along the PC Wall

Conclusions-
• Both elephants and keepers progressing well and will continue to reinforce these
behaviours over the next week
• Protocol for training regime were typed up (under Alan’s instruction) to ensure gate
procedure and movement of elephants is clear to each keeper, and to allow risk
assessments to be drawn up
• Lord Derby and guests were present for one of the sessions. We informed them about the
training process, our aims and how training will help improve elephant health and welfare
in the future
• Final thanks and farewell to Alan
• Group discussion about how successful the week has been, and how together as a team we
can move forward
• Records will be kept of progress for each elephant on ‘Weekly Training Log Sheets’- see
appendix 2, and appendix 3 for explanation of behaviour codes
Figure 12: Chunky and Andy prepared for training sessions

Protected Contact Training
with Alan Roocroft
31 st October- 3 rd November 2009
Figure 13: The Elephant Team- Andy, Chunky, Scotty and Rachel
• During the time between Alan’s two visits Chunky and Andy continued the training
sessions
• On Alan’s return 3 training sessions were performed per elephant per day
• The training sessions were split between all four elephant keepers to pass on the skills and
practice ready for when Alan left
DAY 7- Saturday 31 st October
NISSIM
• During the time elapsed since Alan’s last visit, Nissim developed a mild tolerance of the
foot target touching his FLF, but he does tend to attack/grab this target and also to crush
the head target
• Alan suggested that one trainer, Chunky, hold the head target, use commands and give
reward, while a second trainer, Alan introduced the foot target both through the bars and
through the foot port. Gradually Nissim became less alarmed by the foot target and did
not try to grab it so frequently. By the final session, Nissim was lifting his FLF when
requested and was beginning to show a glimpse of understanding of what was being asked
of him

Figure 14: Nissim performing FLF lift with Chunky as
head target trainer and Alan with the foot target
• Rachel practiced moving Nissim along the PC wall, to follow the target and also to move
him around the facility in a controlled safe way
• Between sessions Nissim was released into the main paddock with the herd
BUTA
• During the time elapsed from the last visit, Buta has now learnt to lift both front feet into
the middle foot port and she will present the feet well and hold them steady for prolonged
amounts of time
• Andy continued training sessions and Scotty also practiced the full sequence of her
training so far. Buta responded well to him
Figure 15: Buta performing a FLF lift for Scotty
• A second trainer introduced a hand-held brush to Buta’s foot, this spooked Buta so tried a
long-handled brush, she tolerated this with praise from both keepers
Conclusions-
• Spare target sticks needed to be made as both elephants snapped/crushed a few!
• Elephants progressing well. Moving them back to join with the herd is also becoming
easier as the other cows are more settled.
• Rach and Scotty picking up the routines/protocols very quickly and learning from Andy
and Chunky
• Aim to encourage Nissim to lift and hold his FLF in the foot port.
• Aim to introduce the foot brush to Buta
DAY 8- Sunday 1 st November
NISSIM

• 3 training sessions. Chunky and Rachel took turns as head target trainer, with Andy and
Scotty as foot target trainer
• Nissim will lift his FLF onto a large paddle shaped target, this target is easy for him to
feel so helps him find the position asked of him. A 3 rd target was used to rub on the top of
his foot
Figure 16: Nissim standing on the target through the foot port
• By the final session, Nissim was placing his foot steadily in the foot port. Usually his first
attempt to lift his foot involved an attack trunk swipe on the target, followed by him
placing his foot where requested
BUTA
• 3 sessions. Andy perfected Buta’s foot presentation in the middle foot port. Scotty then
introduced the long handled foot brush with a warm water wash
Figure 17: Scotty washing Buta's FRF
• Andy and Scotty swapped roles and Buta was quite settled to have her foot brushed gently
with a warm water wash. She was most settled when both keepers praised her so she
could hear and see the keepers
Conclusions-
• Some discord was noticed within the rest of the herd, especially between Tana and Shaba-
Tana was bullying Shaba and due to Shaba’s arthritic leg condition it was decided to
move Shaba and Ashanti (mother and calf) into the old house overnight for some respite
• Aims for Nissim to only need one foot target and not two
• Aims for Buta, to continue with foot wash and introduce direct touch to the foot
DAY 9- Monday 2 nd November
NISSIM
• Scotty and Rachel took turns as head and foot target trainers respectively. Nissim now
seeks out the foot target and positions his foot carefully in the correct place

• Nissim is bringing his body in at the correct angle to make lifting his foot into position
more comfortable
• Only one foot target is now needed
• Keepers tried to get him to lift his FRF when he passed the foot port, he acknowledged
the target but did not lift his foot and changed his body angle to avoid the target
• In the final session, the middle foot port was opened, he did not lift his foot quite high
enough, but rested it on the framework in between
BUTA
• Buta showed vocal distress on release of the rest of the herd due to the separation of
Shaba and Ashanti in the night, so we let her return to the rest of the herd first thing and
only had two training sessions with her
• Again, Andy and Scotty took turns as head target trainer, while the other brushed her feet.
Buta’s positioning is much better and she is more relaxed with the second trainer brushing
the foot
• Jen Quayle (Vet) visited again to see our progress. Jen approached Buta and was able to
examine the front feet and touch them while the other keeper was brushing the foot. Jen is
excited about the future benefits of the training for the health and welfare of the herd
Figure 8: Jen examining Buta's foot
Conclusions-
• David Ross (General Manager) observed a training session
• Aims- to continue encouraging higher foot position for Nissim and to lift his FRF
• - to use a small hand held brush on Buta’s feet
• The team sent an email to Lord and Lady Derby, and the managerial staff to thank them
for the opportunity we had been given, and to inform them of the progress and our
ambition for success in the future
DAY 10- Tuesday 3 rd November
• All the elephants were calmer in the morning and delighted to be re-united outside. Shaba
and Ashanti much more relaxed in the old house overnight. Night footage from the Infrared
cameras in the new house showed that Tana, Nala and Juba did not sleep as much as
normal (this will be monitored) but spaced themselves widely in the pen. No
dysfunctional behaviour was observed outside during the day. Due to this change in
sleeping arrangements, Buta was let out with the herd straight away in the morning

• Both elephants responding well to all keepers
• Each training session occupies between 6-10mins
NISSIM
• Rachel, Scotty and Andy took turns as head and foot trainers so were confident of the
procedures for when Alan left
• Continued to reward foot lift in the lower foot port. We discouraged the foot lift at other
points along the PC wall by not rewarding the behaviour
• Attempted to encourage FRF lift but again Nissim’s body positioning was wrong. We will
not encourage this behaviour until the mesh is removed from the RHS of PC wall where
we will try to initiate the behaviour
BUTA
• Rachel, Scotty, and Andy took turns as head trainer and foot scrubber
• Buta is positioning herself well and was receptive to both feet being brushed with a
small hand-held brush
Conclusions-
• Welder is to remove mesh barriers on the PC wall to allow foot access. He is to instate
steel panels instead of steel uprights in the keeper safe area to improve keeper safety when
letting the elephants out.
• ‘Steps’ are to be made to increase the increments of the foot port door gradually to aid
Nissim’s foot lifting process
• AIMS BEFORE ALAN’S NEXT PLANNED VISIT IN JANUARY 2010:
Nissim - increase height of his foot lift
- introduce foot brush- long-handled, then hand-held with foot wash
- remove protective mesh and gradually encourage FRF lift
Buta - perfect presentation of the feet in the centre of the foot port
- continue foot scrubbing
- encourage Buta to bring her side into the PC panel using a long target so back foot
presentation can be considered
• Introduce target stationing to Shaba and Ashanti in the old elephant house once steel
uprights have been replaced with steel panels to increase keeper safety
• Rotate training between the four elephants depending on time available, staffing, weather
etc. This will also help to keep the programme varied and challenging
• Keep positive, persevere, enjoy the training and continue working together to teach the
elephants.

Figure 19: Chunky (Stephen), Alan, Scotty (Steven),
Peter, Andy and Rachel
With Special Thanks to:
Lord and Lady Derby for giving us this opportunity
Edward Perry- Operations manager
Peter Litchfield- Assistant Curator
Nick Ellerton- Curator
David Ross- General Manager
Alan Roocroft- Elephant Consultant
Support from other KSP staff

Advise to other Keepers Starting PC from Scratch!
1) Training requires patience and perseverance
2) The elephants learn quickly but communication through body language, and vocal
communication is paramount to increase the elephants understanding of what is being asked
of them
3) Every elephant is different in temperament and behaviours i.e. aggressive, greedy, and timid.
Know your elephant and what method is best for that individual. Try different rewards, body
language and tone of voice. They respond well to extravagant praise from their keeper- talk to
your elephants
4) Different keepers learn how to train at different rates, be supportive of one another. Don’t be
afraid to experiment and find the technique that is best for you and your elephants to work
well together
5) Listen to your team-mates advice. A keeper observing from a few steps behind the trainer can
see a lot better than the one right up close to the PC wall
6) Communicate clearly with each other, say please and thank you when asking for assistance
7) Enjoy learning as a team; enjoy your success and the elephants too! In the end the training
will benefit the elephants psychological and physical well-being and hopefully lead to a more
settled herd exhibiting more natural behaviours
8) Involve all members of staff- other keepers, managers, curators and vets, as all parties are
involved and it could encourage others, moral is lifted when successes are shared
9) Finally, rewards of cakes for keepers and friendly bets- 6 pack of beer per broken target stick,
are excellent incentives to encourage the team
HAVE FUN!!!

Appendix 1
North
Chute
Cow Pen
PC
Nissim
Buta
Cows
Extended
Night Pen
South
Elephant House
Elephant Plan

North
3
5 Chute 6
7
9
2
1
4
8
16
A2
South
10
18
Elephant House
Gate Plan
A3

Gate Plan Paddock – Near House
11
12
15
14
13
17
A1
A4
Appendix 2

Elephant:
Day/Date Keeper
Initials
Elephant Team Weekly Protective Contact Training Log
Week beginning:
Behaviour Comments
Code
Mon
Tues
Wed
Thurs
Fri
Sat
Sun
Appendix 3
Knowsley Safari Park

ELEPHANT TEAM
BEHAVIOUR CODES
Behaviour Code Description
Target T Touches target with required body part and holds
position
Present front right foot FRF Presents front right foot into foot port and holds
position
Present front left foot FLF Presents front left foot into foot port and holds
position
Presents back right foot into foot port and holds
position
Present back right BRF
foot
Present back left foot BLF Presents back left foot into foot port and holds
position
Chain front right foot CRF Presents front right foot for bracelet application
Chain front left foot CLF Presents front left foot for bracelet application
Salute S Lifts trunk high over head and holds position
Right ear RE Presents right ear out through ear port and holds
position
Left ear LE Presents left ear out through ear port and holds
position
Go back GB Takes at least two steps back and stays there
Tail TA Puts tail out through foot port and holds position
Retrieve R Picks up an object and returns it to keeper
Down D Lies down and holds position
Kneel K Kneels down on front legs and holds position
Turn TU Turns away from keeper
Open mouth OM Opens mouth and holds open for mouth inspection
& temperature taking
Right eye RE Presents right eye at the ear port for
inspection/medication
Left eye LE Presents left eye at the ear port for
inspection/medication
Trunk TR Presents trunk to keeper for inspection or trunk
wash routine