Elephants consume approximately 150 pounds of food per day, including fruits, vegetables, grain, hay, and other plant material. As fall comes to an end each year, we invite local residents to donate their uncarved pumpkins to The Sanctuary and add these to the elephants’ menu too!
Minnie and Ronnie seemed delighted to discover a giant white pumpkin on a bed of hay and bamboo in the habitat. Minnie found the pumpkin first and stepped on it to smash it into two halves, one for her and one for Ronnie. She then continued to break hers into multiple bite-sized pieces as Ronnie devoured stalks of bamboo. Similar to Minnie, Sissy has also perfected the art of stepping on pumpkins to get to the juiciest insides! Billie, on the other hand, often chooses to eat her pumpkin whole.
In Africa Habitat, the elephants have been dining on all sorts of fall produce, from classic orange pumpkins to mini pumpkins to gourds and apples. Thank you to all who donated this season!
About The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee:
Located 85 miles southwest of Nashville in Hohenwald, Tenn., The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee provides elephants retired from performance and exhibition with individualized care, the companionship of a herd, and the opportunity to live out their lives in a safe haven dedicated to their well-being. The Sanctuary also works to raise public awareness of the complex needs of elephants in captivity, and the crisis facing elephants in the wild. The Elephant Discovery Center, The Sanctuary’s educational center with exhibits focused on elephants’ role as a keystone species, is open to visitors in downtown Hohenwald. The elephants’ habitats are closed to the public.
Connect with The Elephant Sanctuary:
Website: https://www.elephants.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elephantsanctuarytn
Twitter: https://twitter.com/elephantstn
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theelephantsanctuary/
