Summary:
– Introducing Bowie, the newest member of the Oklahoma City Zoo‘s elephant herd
– Bowie’s personality and interactions with other elephants
– Bowie’s favorite activities and toys
– Bowie’s food preferences and quirks
– Excitement over Bowie’s addition to the herd
It’s time to meet another of our elephants, and there’s no better way to celebrate his 10th birthday than by introducing you to our youngest male elephant, Bowie! Elephant Caretaker Alena shared with us what it’s like to care for the newest member of our herd and get to know him.
Bowie, a ten-year-old elephant, arrived at the Oklahoma City Zoo in November 2022 from the Fort Worth Zoo. Known for his big personality, Bowie has quickly become a great fit for our elephant herd. His interactions with the other elephants in the herd bring a sense of excitement and playfulness to their dynamic.
Bowie’s favorite pastime is sparring with Chandra, a 27-year-old female elephant. Their interactions create a spectacle for both the caretakers and visitors alike. From gentle pushing and nudges to full-on mock battles, Bowie and Chandra engage in playful displays of strength, agility, and cooperation.
Another activity that brings Bowie immense joy is splashing around in the pool during the summer months. He loves the sensation of the cool water on his skin, as well as the freedom it brings as he dives, sprays, and creates waves with his massive body. Visitors often stand in awe as they witness Bowie’s exuberant water antics.
But perhaps one of the most amusing aspects of Bowie’s personality is his fondness for tire toys. He adores playing with them and has found creative ways to enjoy their company. Sometimes, you might catch Bowie wearing a tire toy on his head or even his back, adding an element of whimsy to his already captivating presence. It’s heartwarming to see such simple pleasures bring so much joy to him.
Now, let’s talk about Bowie’s unique food preferences. As with any individual, elephants have their likes and dislikes, and Bowie is no exception. While he has taken a liking to celery, he strongly dislikes green foods. Green peppers, cucumbers, and green onions are not his cup of tea. It’s fascinating how his taste buds guide his preferences, and caretakers always ensure plenty of other options for him to enjoy.
Adding Bowie to our elephant herd has brought much excitement and anticipation. His vibrant personality and interactions with the other elephants have injected a new energy into the group dynamics. Caretakers, visitors, and fellow elephants have all been captivated by Bowie’s presence, making him an instant favorite at the Oklahoma City Zoo.
In conclusion, getting to know Bowie, the newest member of our elephant herd, has been a delightful and enriching experience for both the caretakers and visitors. From his playful sparring sessions with Chandra, his love for splashing in the pool, and his creative use of tire toys, Bowie never fails to bring a smile to our faces. His unique food preferences only add to his individuality and make him all the more intriguing. We are grateful to have Bowie as part of our herd and look forward to many more memorable moments with him at the Oklahoma City Zoo. Visit and meet Bowie, and prepare to be enchanted by his charm and character!
*****
Source Description
It’s time to meet another of our elephants, and there’s no better way to celebrate his 10th birthday than by introducing you to our youngest male elephant, Bowie! Elephant Caretaker Alena shared with us what it’s like to care for the newest member of our herd and get to know him.
“Bowie is a ten-year-old elephant that came to the Oklahoma City Zoo in November 2022 from the Fort Worth Zoo. Bowie has a big personality, which makes him a great fit for our elephant herd. He enjoys sparring with our 27-year-old female, Chandra, and splashing in the pool during the summer. Bowie has a particular affinity for tire toys and often enjoys wearing them on his head or back. He doesn’t like green foods, including green peppers, cucumbers, and green onions – although he has come around to celery. We have been so excited to welcome Bowie into our herd!”
📷: Cheryl F.
