Everyone here inHoustonis feeling the heat of summer! Thai, the zoo’s 12,000 pound, 45 year old, male elephant will often spend time in his pool in the summer. But, he only likes to swim when it is HOT and SUNNY! At 1:30 every day, the Elephant care team has a keeper chat and provides guests with a chance to learn about elephants. During the summer, the chat includes a bath or hose down for the elephant herd. For Thai, the chat also includes going for a swim. Thai is reinforced for getting into the pool by his keepers. Once he enters the pool, he is given a variety of floating food items such as apples, carrots, and even an occasional watermelon. Getting cooled off on a hot summer day is also very reinforcing! And sometimes, Thai also takes this opportunity to get himself a nice big drink from the hose. Zoo guests standing on the Elephant area deck can see Thai up close and get great photos.
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