Duchess » Paignton Zoo

29-01-2012

If you only watched her for 10mins could she have just been sleeping? I am lucky enough to have done research on elephants (captive) and adults usually sleep standing, often leaning against things where possible and either holding on to something with the trunk or extending it to the ground for stability which fits what you describe. Young and old elephants will often nap during the day if they have had enough to eat and they are feeling relaxed and given Duchess's health and recent op she may well be tired? They do often close the eyes to sleep, but not always. Did you see her doing it throughout the day or just that one time?

29-01-2012

I suppose our esteemed poster made a supposition rather than being in the know on how elephant Duchess would feel at the given moment in time nor any other time ...

The enclosure being quite bare in parts is most probably also for Duchess' benefit .. in that she has no new unfamiliar objects that block her path or might create a difficult stumbling situation for her.

Given her middle age she may well have another 15+ years to sojourn at Paignton.

29-01-2012

Tunata, you could be spot on, we only watched her for 1, 10 minute period.

Like I say, i'm hoping I am wrong.

29-01-2012

Hope the following will help regarding Duchess; Recently I returned from a two week holiday and made my way up to see Duchess she was near the lower fencing foraging in the mud when I called her and rustled the bamboo she raised her head recognised me and showered me with red mud it was so funny and she just munched away on the bamboo whilst I tried to clean myself up full length black coat on.

After the comments on site I saw her again yesterday and she was inside . Just about to download some pictures.