It can be easy for us to forget about zoo animals: out of sight, out of mind. They’re fun to go and look at and learn about, but when we leave, we just kind of move on.
Zoo animals don’t get to move on, though. They’re there, in that zoo, all the time, and they need something to help keep them busy. Luckily, on Tuesday, February 15th, one zoo showed off exactly what they’re doing for their elephants:
The Oakland Zoo is definitely on my bucket list. I would love to see Osh and his funky new toy!
Related: Oakland Zoo Rescues Adorable Illegally-Owned Marmoset and Gives Her the Perfect Name
Osh is a 30-year-old resident of the Oakland Zoo . He had a herd of African Elephants to live with at one point, but unfortunately, that herd has dissipated over time and Osh is now the only African Elephant at the zoo. Since elephants are very social creatures who enjoy spending time with others, he requires a lot of attention from zoo staff.
He is only with Oakland temporarily: they’re actively looking for another place to send him. Though they say he’s doing okay there, elephants thrive among a herd, and no amount of fun enrichment toys in the world can make up for that long-term. For now, though, he does seem to be having fun playing with his keepers and his fancy new toy!