Bali Zoo presents activity of "mud bath" with elephants

Gianyar, Bali, Dec 1 (ANTARA News) - Bali Zoo in the Indonesian island resort of Bali is presenting an activity of "wallowing in mud with elephants" to offer conservation-related education and a program to attract tourists during the year-end holidays.

"The program of wallowing in mud with elephants is the first of its kind in Indonesia," Bali Zoo Public Relations Chief Emma Kristiana Chandra remarked in Singapadu Village here on Saturday.

Chandra noted that such a new, interesting program is expected to bring people closer to protected animals, so that they may gain a better understanding of conservation and develop fondness towards large animals.

People can experience this unique attraction, introduced by the Bali Zoo since November 23, 2018, near Sancto Villa, which is still in the zoo area.

The Bali Zoo mobilized several of its elephants including three females: 28-year-old Adelia; Moli, 25; and Nurhayati, 27.

The zoo management has prepared two pools, each mixed with mud and sand covering an area of about two acres, with views of green trees along the bank of Oos River.

Before enjoying a mud bath with the elephants, the participating tourists are edified on various aspects, including ethics, while interacting with the animals.

The management thereafter prepares the elephants` favorite food, which are fruits, including watermelon and pumpkin, before the animals are herded into an artificial mud pond.

The tourists can then bathe in the mud pools with the elephants, including participating in rubbing mud over the body of the large animal.

The attraction also makes the tourists joyous, as it offers a source of entertainment and excitement to them to play with elephants despite their bodies being covered with mud.

Reporting by : Dewa Wiguna (O001/INE)