2007-06-23 09:36:03 · 4 answers · asked by Sam 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
I do not know about other zoos but our elephants LOVE watermelons. They are given to the elephants both in and out of view of the public. So no, it is not just for the visitors.
Not to mention they are a wonderful source for water on hot summer days.
2007-06-23 09:50:07 · answer #1 · answered by The Cheshire 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Elephants love watermelons, in fact any kinda melon. I've seen them at the St Louis zoo eating them and having a blast. No, the people taking care of zoo animals are more concerned about the health of animals than the antics of animals.
Guess what, elephants get gas from eating melons also.
2007-06-23 10:00:34 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unless you saw a zookeeper hold the elephant down and force it down the throat...the elephant is not forced to do anything...all the keepers know for a fact that to force them could be fatal to themselves...
I was a keeper aide volunteer at the Sacramento Zoo and yest we fed all the animals watermelons....and they love them...the elephant eats the entire thing, skin, fruit and pits and then looks for more...the hippo opens his tiny mouth and crunches one like a pretzel bite...monkeys, bears and all animals that enjoy vegetation eat watermelon....and any other fruit it is offered...
2007-06-23 10:25:21 · answer #3 · answered by teri 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They do not eat them in the wild (as they do not grow naturally in Africa or India) but elephants in captivity are very fond of watermelons, often choosing them over other fruits offered in their dishes.
2007-06-23 10:28:50 · answer #4 · answered by searchpup 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋