Tetherball for the Solo Pachyderm

Often, when the elephants are out, their main activity seems to be trying to get back into their Elephant House. They run their trunks along the doors, use branches as levers or knockers, and generally appear to be much more interested in whatever’s inside than anything that’s outside (unless there’s a lot of food; then it’s a toss-up). Today, though, the young male elephant was having a grand time with his tire tether-“ball,” running up to it and butting it back and forth with every indication of glee.


As it turns out, there are very few things that are more fun to watch than an elephant joyfully galloping towards and thwacking an enormous tire on a chain.


And I know, I know, it’s wrong to anthropomorphize—or, at least, it’s inaccurate—but I swear that he looked immensely pleased with himself after every really good hit, swinging his trunk around and strolling jauntily about the enclosure with an extra spring in his step.

{A note: I do write all text and take all pictures. Please do not reproduce either without my permission.}