Elephants Benefit from Positive Interactions with Zoo Visitors
It’s no secret that elephants are some of the most majestic creatures in the animal kingdom. But did you know that they also enjoy the presence of zoo visitors? A recent study published in the journal Science of Nature found that elephants in zoos actually prefer to spend time near people. Researchers observed the behavior of elephants in two zoos and found that the animals spent significantly more time near areas where visitors were present. In addition, the elephants were seen interacting with the visitors, such as by making eye contact and even reaching out to touch them. So the next time you visit the zoo, don’t be surprised if an elephant reaches out to you – it’s all part of the experience!
source: Phys.org