As the staff welcomes the month of August and the amazing weather that it brings along with it, our resident elephants at the Elephant Conservation and Care Centre (ECCC) in Mathura are having a good time under the monsoon showers! One gentle giant in particular, Walnut, can be seen raising his trunk high up in the air every morning, almost as if he’s waving a hello to the rain-bearing clouds!
Walnut is lovingly called “Wally” by all at the centre. He was rescued from a circus in 2015 along with three other pachyderms, and they were forced to perform tricks in the name of “entertainment”. However, Wildlife SOS brought relief to the four, breaking the shackles of cruel captivity! They were named Walnut, Peanut, Coconut and Macadamia — famously known as the “Nut Herd” — and have been at ECCC for the last nine years. Our team works day and night to provide Walnut and his peers with the best of care, and make sure all their needs are met.
Wally is now nearly 27-years-old, and is truly the life of the centre. The adult pachyderm continues to be curious and peppy, and can be seen playing with his enrichments for hours on end. A new pool was installed in his enclosure as a part of the team’s summer management programme this year, and Wally joyfully spends most of his afternoons in it. He also gets to simultaneously munch on the fresh fruits, vegetables and fodder provided to him while he is in the pool. Along with this, he has hanging haynets and feeding cages in his enclosure that are filled with delightful snacks.
When it comes to food, Wally is never fussy. Weighing nearly five tonnes, this bull elephant receives about 150 to 170 kgs of fresh fodder and 10 kgs of seasonal fruits in a day. His daily nutritious meal comprises one kg of cooked concentrate that is made up of brown rice, millets and rock salt. At our centre, the resident elephants are provided with regular multivitamins and supplements to support their overall health. These are crushed and added to their meals to make it easier for the elephants to consume them.
Along with his enrichments and daily diet, edible delights make an entry into another part of Wally’s routine — target training. Wally shows great cooperation with his caregiver during his target training sessions. Positive reinforcements act as incentives for the resident elephants, and Wally is rewarded with his favourite treats while the session is in progress. His bond with his caregiver has grown over the years, and is now stronger than ever. The caregiver is always greeted with a loud trumpet from Wally’s side, followed by tender gestures that are exchanged between the two.
The practice of target training recently helped our team of veterinarians treat Wally for a temporal abscess that had occurred on the side of his head on a scratched wound. Wally presented his head with trust and confidence as the medical team applied antiseptic sprays and powder on it. His complete recovery was also supported by the provision of oral medications given specifically for tissue rebuilding.
Sprightly Wally finds immense pleasure in going for his long daily walks in the morning as well as in the evening. Walking is a great way for the elephants to expend their energy, and it provides needed exercise to them in an environment that mimics their natural habitat. Wally pauses during his stroll to give himself dust baths that cool down his body. More often than not, he also ends up throwing a bunch of leaves or plants that land on the top of his head! He then resumes his walk, proudly wearing a hat of greens!
Our dedicated team of caregivers and expert veterinarians work hand-in-hand to ensure that Wally receives constant care and unwavering attention. Kindness by his caregiver and the team spread like a healing balm on Walnut, who freely showcases his cheerful spirit at the centre. You too can support Wally’s daily upkeep by coming forward and becoming his sponsor.
