Robert Kenny
Picture credited to Paignton Zoo
Paignton Zoo has taken delivery of 80 tonnes of sand for Duchess the elephant.
Keepers say they took advice from other zoos saying that sand can help her soles, nails and skin.
It's the first time the 49 year old elephant has ever touched sand.
Senior Head Keeper of Mammals Rob Rouse said:
“Sand is good for Duchess’ feet, helping to improve the health of the soles, nails and skin of the foot and so decreasing the need for active foot care by her keepers.
“The sand also provides enrichment through an ever-changing environment.
“The first time she encountered the sand, she was throwing it all over the place!
“We had to get the right particulate value to allow for drainage and to reduce the likelihood of the sand compacting over time. We took advice from colleagues in other zoos and tried samples from different beaches before choosing Instow!"
The Zoo has posted these updates on social media.
We wonder who those big footprints belong to..! 🐘
— Paignton Zoo (@PaigntonZoo) June 12, 2019
An astonishing 80 TONNES of sand has been delivered for our matriarch, Duchess. As well as being great for Duchess' feet, the sand will allow keepers to create enrichment with an ever-changing sandscape. https://t.co/N2XigR8uQ9 pic.twitter.com/4PPsNSWxDA
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