- ZOO AND YOU: Topeka Zoo raffling off chance to bathe Cora the elephant.
Published by -NAWA News Feed- in -Zoo News- · Thursday 02 Sep 2021
Elephants invoke a sense of mystery and wonder to everyone that encounters them. People are drawn to them to see what lies behind the eyes of such a magnificent beast.
We are fortunate here in the United States to have so many facilities that people can go to and observe elephants and learn about them.
Some places allow for people to have up close and personal interactions with them. The Topeka Zoo is raffling off a once in a lifetime opportunity to give a bath to their Asian elephant, Cora. Cora came from the circus in 2016 after her handler, Mr. Morris died. His wife wanted her to have a good home with other elephants and experienced keepers for the rest of her life. Part of why Cora is so comfortable and friendly is from her life giving rides at the circus and always being around people.
Bathing is an integral part of an elephant's life. In human care, keepers help facilitate the exfoliation of skin with good soap and a scrub. Then the elephant is free to apply dirt or sand as a sunscreen. Yes, elephants can get a sunburn! Baths also allow for keepers to examine the whole body of the elephant to keep them healthy. If any wounds are found, it is important to address it quickly; an elephant's skin takes a very long time to heal due to its thickness.
We at NAWA support safe, controlled public interactions with wildlife to facilitate the conservation of endangered species, like the Asian elephant. Proceeds from this raffle will go to AZA SAFE Asian elephant conservation fund. READ MORE.