Which Life Would You Choose for Me?

First stop: An elephant...what is that?

In this section, you will learn basic facts about elephants. Read through the site and answer these questions along the way:

• What is the first known ancestor of the modern day elephant? How do we know it is related to our elephants?

• The ancestor lived an amphibious life. Are today's elephants amphibians? What are they?
  

• How many species of elephants are in the world today?

• How can you distinguish between the species?

• How many sets of teeth do elephants have? What happens when they lose their teeth?

• What are an elephant's tusks?

http://www.elephantartgallery.com/support/elephant-facts-and-figures.php

Next up: Caring for elephants.

• How much food does an elephant eat per day? What does their diet consist of? Do they get any treats?
  

• In captivity, how do elephants get bathed? What about in sanctuary?

• What is done to an elephant's hair when they are in captivity?

• What infection is very dangerous for elephants? What can be done to care for that part of the body?
  

• Name disease that is harmful to elephants and give examples of a cure.

• What is positive reinforcement training?
  

An elephant takes 24/7 watch, care, and providing for.

http://www.uft.org/committees/humane-education-committee/humane-science-curricula/elephants-wild-and-captivity

http://www.globalelephants.org/rambas-feet/#more-2007 Go about halfway down for foot care

http://www.elephantcare.org/diseases.htm

http://activeenvironments.org/pdf/Trng_Enrich_EEconf.pdf

Life in Captivity Versus Wild/Sanctuary

• What kind of needs do elephants have that cannot be offered in captivity? List three or four and discuss why they are important.

• What is the lifespan of an elephant in captivity? What about in the wild? What are a couple reasons for this?
  

• What good things does a sanctuary provide to elephants?

• Is a sanctuary life, a captive life?

http://www.peta.org/issues/animals-in-entertainment/zoos/get-elephants-zoos/

http://animals.pawnation.com/life-span-elephants-2233.html

http://www.lcanimal.org/index.php/campaigns/elephants/wild-vs-captive

What can you do to help?

• What are six things you can do to help?
  

• What method would each of you group members choose?

http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/animals/stories/6-ways-to-help-elephants

Did you learn anything new? I sure hope so! Next up, it is time to get your project all ready to show your class!