Diary of an Elephant Keeper

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF LIZ RICKARD, ELEPHANT KEEPER

8amOur first job of the day is to check the health of each elephant – either inside the stalls or in the paddock (they are kept in overnight in the winter).

8.20amTime to clean the paddocks. This involves shovelling up the elephant dung – there is a lot of it, especially in the summer when they are outdoors, sweeping the concrete areas and picking up sticks left by the elephants.The elephants are then let out to feed. As well as hay, Lucerne and browse, each animal receives approximately 50-60kg of fruit and vegetables per day including apples, carrots, parsnips, grapes and cabbage. The feed is scattered across the paddocks for ‘enrichment’, making the elephants search for their food. It also ensures that all get their fair share.

10amThe elephants are let out into the main enclosures. They are released in a particular order depending on their ranking in the herd, the most dominant member being the matriarch (an adult male is more dominant but is not seen as one of the herd!).

10.45amOur tea break!

11amElephant house cleaning commences as required. If the elephants are being kept in overnight, we sweep and hose down the houses ready for the evening.

1pm – 2pmLunch.During this time and throughout the afternoon, we also observe and monitor elephant behaviour.

2pm – 4pmThe evening feed is prepared including plenty of hay and some dry mix of flaked maize, locust beans and linseed lozenges.The remaining time is spent on maintenance work around the section. In the summer hay is scattered along the fence line for the elephants staying out overnight. In the winter, we start to bring the elephants into the house – this can take a while depending on the behaviour of the calves and whether they want to go into their stalls with their mum or stay out and play a while longer!

4.30pm – 5pmBed-time for the elephants… and time for us to go home (as long as there are no unexpected problems or requirements!).

“I have always found animals fascinating and consequently dreamed about working with them. When not studying at school, I had various jobs working with animals including at a pet rescue centre.

After leaving school, I studied zoology at Roehampton University, part of which involved studying a pack of wolves at Longleat Safari Park. I was also a volunteer worker at Wildwood Animal Park and the National Seal Sanctuary in Cornwall.

Although my university course was fascinating, my most valuable experience has been actually working directly with animals.

I joined Howletts in March 2004 and after a few months working with the primates, moved on to the elephant section.

I enjoy my job immensely and learn something new every day. It is especially enjoyable to watch our calves grow and learn all the new skills they require to be successful, thriving elephants!

I feel very privileged to be working with these intriguing animals and hope that conservation efforts to protect this species – as well as others – continue to ensure their survival for future generations.”