An elephant at Fort Worth Zoo in Texas demonstrated his determination to get rid of an irritating itch.
During his daily brush down by keepers, this mischievous pachyderm felt a tickle in the middle of his forehead. Impatient to find relief, he took matters into his trunk – quite literally.
Instead of waiting for the handler to address the bothersome itch, the clever elephant snatched the broom from the keeper’s hands and used it to scratch his head vigorously.
The timely self-scratch proved incredibly satisfying, leading him to keep hold of the broom as he wandered back into his enclosure.
In August, the Fort Worth Zoo celebrated the arrival of its second elephant calf in just 30 days. Bluebonnet, a 14-year-old Asian elephant, gave birth to her first calf, Bowie, after an almost 22-month gestation period.
The Asian elephant, classified as endangered since 1976, faces significant threats due to habitat loss and poaching for ivory tusks.
Their ability to reproduce and counteract mortality rates is at risk in the wild. Zoos across North America are also concerned about reproduction rates, as they are not keeping pace with elephant mortality.
As a result, breeding Asian elephants in zoos is crucial for the future conservation of the species.
Fort Worth Zoo has played a pivotal role in elephant breeding and conservation. Welcoming Bowie was a testament to their commitment to protecting these majestic creatures.
The heartwarming moment of the elephant scratching his head reminds us of the importance of conservation efforts.
Through these efforts, we can ensure that future generations will continue to marvel at the playful and intelligent nature of these incredible animals.
Read more Elephant News.