Philadelphia Zoo Elephant Scratching Asian Rhino Ears

[awesomeH2O]

Are Bette and Xavira actually friends (or were)? Or do they simply like to be neighbors?

[ZooVisitorMM]

@awesomeH2O It certainly looks to me like they were friends (another reason the Zoo should not have closed the elephant exhibit)

Xavira is friends with the okapi in the exhibit on the other side, too.

[awesomeH2O]

In the wild, Xavira and Bette would never meet (because their species do not exist together in the same habitat). Yet here they do not seem to mind each other at all. In fact, Bette seemed to enjoy Xavira's presence in the video. I wonder what they were thinking about each other...

[ZooVisitorMM]

@awesomeH2O This is an example of providing opportunities for animals to experience something wonderful in their lives that they would not have a chance to experience in the wild.

This is one of the reasons I love zoos.

[mrsBlomsten]

Get Elephant and Asian Rhino aut of zoo

[ZooVisitorMM]

Unfortunately (in my opinion, and in the opinion of a lot of other zoo visitors, too) , the elephant exhibit is closed, and the elephants are gone. Hopefully they will return someday.

But the rhino is still there, right where it belongs, in a good home, receiving good care.

[TheShorterVersion]

Terrific shot! 5 out of 5! You are so lucky to see this! The crowd reaction adds a wonderful element.

[ZooVisitorMM]

Thanks!

It really does add to the fun at a zoo to hear the visitors talking about what they see.

[Spiritedlulu]

So sad. 2 lonely captive wild species seeking comfort from each other.

[33Keith33]

What makes you think that they're lonely? Asian rhinos live solitary lives and only come together to breed and then they move on. The elephants seem to be in good spirits and they certainly aren't alone. At least in a modern zoo setting, no one is trying to kill them for their horns or ivory. They're doing just fine.

[ZooVisitorMM]

Thank you, 33Keith33.

I couldn't have replied better.

[MatthewCClark]

Oh my goodness!! The best video to date!! This is awesome!

[ZooVisitorMM]

Thank you!

This definitely is my favorite of the videos I have recorded so far.

And zoologists can gather so much useful information from observing interactions like this between zoo animals.

[MatthewCClark]

Ahh thank you very much for both of your comments. They really can learn a lot from this. I've never seen anything like it. I'm heading to the LA Zoo Saturday to check that out and see what's happening. I already miss Philadelphia. Thanks for your comments and keep these great videos coming!

[ZooVisitorMM]

Enjoy your day at the LA Zoo - I can't wait to see your videos from there.

I hope you will be happy in LA. Of course, if you continue to miss Philadelphia, you can come back - that would definitely be good for Philadelphia!

[MatthewCClark]

Ahh thank you very much! I already do miss Philadelphia and I'm sure I'll be back some day. I'll try and get some videos of the LA zoo as long as you keep posting your great videos. Thank you :)

[ladybloodrose]

that is just to cute haha

[33Keith33]

One in a million shot and YOU were there!

[ZooVisitorMM]

And I know you understand how exciting that is!

[drabeblaine]

hey do u work at the zoo

[ZooVisitorMM]

No, I don't work or even volunteer at the Zoo.

I am just a member who loves the Zoo and visits at least once a week.

[Shihtzulover1217]

Oh my god that is adorable!

[ZooVisitorMM]

Yes, it is!

The rhino also gets along well with its other neighbor, the okapi. (The okapi doesn't scratch the rhino's ears, though.)