Philadelphia Zoo Elephants Outside in December 2

On a cold Thursday afternoon in December, there are only a few zoo visitors, but the elephants are outside, enjoying the brisk weather!

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• Philadelphia Zoo
• zoos
• elephant
• elephants
• new camera HD
• Thursday
• December
• Watch in HD

[awesomeH2O]

I just read article on the Internet that stated that Kallie was overweight, although she eventually lost the extra weight before she moved to the ICC. I researched more, and I don't think she was ever really overweight to a point where it should be a concern. I just thought she was a little cheekier than the others, which is OK.

[ZooVisitorMM]

@awesomeH2O I think individual differences have to be taken into account with animals just as they do with people. Kallie always seemed to be able to move well and certainly didn't look overweight.

But, as I always say, I trust the judgment of the keepers. If she lost some weight because they put her on any kind of a diet, it was what was best for her.

[awesomeH2O]

I have begun to notice some differences in the two elephants. Kallie, who is the larger animal, seems to be the one who is more confident, food-motivated, and bolder. Bette is smaller, a bit more flighty, and sometimes hangs around in the back of the exhibit more than Kallie. She also seems to be more regal in stature. It is amazing how elephants are very different, and how they are all individuals.

[ZooVisitorMM]

@awesomeH2O The observations you are making are exactly what I am talking about when I say what I believe the value of zoos is. You would not have had the opportunity to get to know Bette and Kallie as you are doing here if they had never been exhibited in a zoo.

And I think once you start getting to know individual animals, you start to care about saving all animals.

[awesomeH2O]

@ZooVisitorMM I do love the animals, and I am still concerned about the welfare of Kallie and Bette. I do think, though, that I should never have really ever seen them (I live in America, and I believe they belong in Africa), but because I have, I am trying to help their situation. Of course, the ICC is not open to the public, so we don't really know what kind of care and attention they receive. My goal is never to really blame or hate anyone - I just want to do what I think is best for them.

[ZooVisitorMM]

@awesomeH2O I know that is your goal. That is why I am doing my best to reply to your comments in a way that will be helpful to you, whether or not you agree with me.

And I am paying attention to the points you make, too.

[awesomeH2O]

@ZooVisitorMM Thank you. I think that if everyone stops trying to get into heated debates and everything, and we can all share are views, we will all be able to think of solutions when problems arise or even for long existing issues that we have different views on.