Animal Careers & Animal Jobs

Unusual Animal Careers
Elephant School

All content © by Diana L. Guerrero unless otherwise noted and may not be reprinted without prior written permission. Photos are © by Riddles Elephant Sanctuary . All rights reserved. Contact arkanimals.com for reprint permissions and fees.

Animal careers, animal schools, & animal courses are just a few topics you will find here. You can read about careers with animals, discover animal programs, and enroll in unique animal career seminars. This is part nine in an unusual animal career series. This segment talks about an elephant school.

Editor's Note: This is the continuation of an ongoing series related to animal careers. To reap the benefits of all the tips and requirements of this series it is suggested that you read them in order. You can do this easily by going back to the animal career index page.

My favorite animal adventures often occur by visiting zoos and other facilities. The highlight of this summer's safari was a visit to an elephant sanctuary and elephant school.

As we entered through the gates, my eyes feasted on free-roaming elephants playing in a large pond. Fighting the urge to stay and watch, we traveled past them until we hooked up with the owners near the bunk house.

The bunkhouse was not too far from where the elephants stay. We gazed across the land into various barns and other elephant essentials. Many talk the talk but few really walk the walk. After touring the facility and spending a couple of days there, let me just say this place walks the walk!

Riddle's Elephant and Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1990. Located in the Ozark Mountain foothills in Arkansas, the 330 acre site is an elephant paradise. Founded by Scott and Heidi Riddle, this non-profit sanctuary accepts any species of elephant. Gender, disposition, and history of the animal are of no consequence.

The Riddle duo is an unusual couple with deep love and respect for elephants. They both have extensive elephant experience. Scott has worked with a variety of elephants since 1965. His work has encompassed zoological management, private sector performances, and elephant consulting. (For you elephant training buffs he even working with the famous group called the "Mighty Mites.")

Heidi started her career with elephants back in 1981. She has worked with both sexes of Asian and African elephants, oversees the activities of the place, and serves in the Elephant Manager's Association.

The sanctuary always has a variety of activities and projects going. This summer the activities included an intensive semen evaluation project, a veterinary training program for ultrasound and elephant examinations, behavior studies, and much more.

In addition to their elephant experience opportunities, one of their most popular programs is The International School on Elephant Management. Instituted in 1994, the course covers the essentials of elephant care and management. Nutrition, husbandry, foot care, reproduction, and conservation related issues are just some of the topics.

The top elephant experts from all over the world can be found instructing. Students come from all over the United States and from countries such as Canada, Australia, England, Germany, Japan, Africa, Spain, Sweden, and more!

Students and instructors stay on the premises. Although space in the school is limited, the bunkhouse is very comfortable and can hold over twenty people. It is quite nice and has both shower and toilet facilities. Besides being a place to dine, the cookhouse is a social gathering place.

The school offers a two week training session three times a year. Experienced personnel can attend a professional session in May of each year while those with little or no experience may attend their own sessions in May or September.

This course would give you an insight into the reality of elephants, their care, and plight in the wild and captivity. If you are interested in attending the course please visit their website at http://www.elephantsanctuary.com

If you prefer send a self-addressed stamped envelope to:

Elephant School
Dept. ARK
P.O. Box 715
Greenbrier, AR 72058

Diana Guerrero, author of this series, has extensive experience in many areas of the animal world. She offers animal career counseling and related programs.

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