Wednesday we go to the Lowry Zoo in Tampa

We decided to check out the zoo today and it was our pleasure to be able to connect with Maura (the Elephant Trainer). Maura is a family friend who's family has summered in Port Stanley since she was a little girl. Now an accomplished young woman Maura is passionate about her work with the Elephants and after studying to be a Marine Biologist she married and settled in Tampa. She gave us a behind the scenes tour and because of her schedule she was able to allow us to watch one of the Elephant moms and baby get their training session for the day. We toured the barns and meet all the Africian Rhino's and the Elephants. This baby was born on December 23, 2013 and now weighs about 700-800 lbs. The new baby that was born in July is a 400 lbs. In was interesting to hear Maura talk about the work they are doing to develop a more modern approach to Elephant training based on the Marine Mammals Protocols. To date they have not  had any issues since this program has been implemented.