Tag Archives: elephant

Elephant Anatomy Facts

My new fascination with elephants continues. Here are some interesting things I’ve learned about elephant anatomy! The trunk is pretty amazing. It is actually an extension of the upper lip of the elephant. The shape and length varies from one elephant to another — some have trunks that reach the ground and some don’t. The tip of the trunk is a very sensitive organ that is used much like humans use their hands. The trunk is used for picking up objects but is also used for breathing, sucking up water, and spraying water to cool the body. Imagine if you … Continue reading →

The Mahout

A mahout is the person who cares for and trains an elephant. The word comes from a Sanskrit word — mahamatra — meaning “one having great measure”. Elephant handlers are also called cornac or kornak, from the Singhalese word kurawanayaka — meaning “stable master”. The mahout is assisted in elephant care by a grass cutter and occasionally a waged assistant. The grass cutter is often responsible for feeding, bathing, and grooming the elephant — all of the care with none of the training. Often, working as a mahout is a family business. A child around the age of ten is … Continue reading →

More Ele-Facts

Elephants are fascinating animals! From physiology to psychology, these giants are full of surprises. Here are some more facts about Asian elephants. Elephants can hear infrasonic sound — sound below the human audible range — and ultrasonic sound — sound above the human audible range. Studies have shown that they can hear thunder several miles away. Elephants have great hearing and a great sense of smell but see relatively poorly. They can recognize people by smell, even after years apart. Fanning their ears helps elephants cool their bodies. The blood cycles through the ear to help regulate body temperature — … Continue reading →

Ele-Facts

I had an interest in elephants sparked by a conversation today about mahouts — elephant handlers in India. An acquaintance who has traveled far and wide was describing the relationship between elephant and handler, a life-long bond that sounds a lot like a marriage or other partnership. I’ll definitely be writing about mahouts in the near future! But for now, I wanted to share some interesting ele-facts about Asian elephants. The elephant is one of a few animals that use tools. Elephants use sticks to scratch themselves and can learn to use a variety of objects for a variety of … Continue reading →

Bob Barker Pays To House Elephant

What’s that saying: “If you’ve got it–spend it.” While other celebrities are donating money to poor children in Africa, their alma maters, and victims of natural disasters one popular game show host is pledging hundreds of thousands of dollars to his pet cause—animals. “The Price Is Right” host Bob Barker says he will pledge $300,000 toward housing an elephant from the Los Angeles Zoo in an animal sanctuary. Barker’s publicist told news reporters the donation would match other monetary contributions made in support of sending Ruby, a 45-year-old African elephant, to a sanctuary in San Andreas in Northern California. Currently, … Continue reading →