Houston Zoo's Yoga-Practicing Elephants: Staying Healthy and Flexible
by
kamal ji
Elephant Yoga: Fitness and Mental Stimulation at Houston Zoo
Elephants at Houston Zoo in the US practice daily yoga to stay healthy and flexible. Led by the elephant manager, the training sessions involve health checks and range of motion exercises. Training starts from birth, with elephants learning their names and becoming comfortable with touch. Sessions last between 30 seconds to five minutes, with older elephants doing two sessions a day. The exercises mimic natural movements in the wild and are personalized for each elephant. The activities not only maintain their fitness and monitor health but also provide mental stimulation for these intelligent animals, keeping them constantly learning and engaged.