Elephants Kenya and Alika, aged 61 and 63, receive special care, including manicures. The duo live at Pomerode Bioparc Zoo, Santa Catarina’s largest zoo, and spend hours Monday through Saturday at a private beauty salon, moisturizing cuticles, filing and trimming nails.

Elephants Kenya and Alika, aged 61 and 63, live in Pomerode Biopark Zoo – Photo: Pomerode Zoo Biopark/Reproduction/ND

The beauty ritual is part of the necessary care to ensure the health and well-being of elephants. According to Pomerode Bioparc Zoo veterinarian Rafael Sales Pagani, the inspection prevents overgrowth, cracks, infections, abscesses, arthritis and arthrosis, which in severe cases can lead to the death of the animal.

It takes three to four people to operate the manicure service at the giants, including veterinarians and biologists from the Pomerode Bioparc Zoo. The veterinarian explains that elephant foot care is done through positively reinforcing operant conditioning, where the animal volunteers to participate in an activity and is rewarded with fruits and vegetables.

The manicure service prevents infections and diseases that, in more serious cases, can lead to the death of elephants – Photo: Bioparc Zoo Pomerode/Reproduction/ND

“Activities include filing and trimming nails, washing nails and soles, moisturizing cuticles, physical exams and other foot care,” Pagani noted.

Elephant conditioning has been carried out since 2014 at the Pomerode Bioparc Zoo. “During the process, veterinarians may also collect blood from animals, vaccinate them, examine the oral cavity, take x-rays, perform physical examinations, administer deworming agents and medications, and perform other medical and therapeutic actions,” the veterinarian said.

Elephant feeding

Elephant eaters spend all day looking for food, so the Pomerode Zoo team offers food at different times and places so they can “seek” and develop their instincts.

Elephants take care of feeding – Video: Pomerode Zoo Bioparc/Reproduction/ND

Each elephant eats 150 kg of food daily, divided into five meals. The menu is varied and includes grass, alfalfa, fruit mix, pet food and cane-tipped grass.

After such a large meal, it is very important to take care of your teeth. The staff checks, cleans and removes leftover food daily.

Dental care is also important for elephants. Photo: Bioparque Zoo Pomerode/Reproduction/ND.