Laying Foundations for the Future
With construction of the barn progressing well, our attention has now shifted to the elephants’ most important space: their first habitat. The elephants will spend the vast majority of their time outdoors. This week, (after solving some drilling challenges and a few supply chain issues!) the first fence posts went into the ground.
Safety for both elephants and people is a priority. Each fence post sits 1.5 metres below ground and stands 2.75 metres above it and is made of extra thick galvanised steel. Drilling into the Alentejo earth is no small feat, but with our new equipment we can now drill a 1.5-metre hole in just one minute and twenty seconds, even when we hit rock.
What lies within the fencing is naturally the most important element. A natural stream runs through the area, which will allow us to create a pool and a mud wallow. The terrain is varied and gentle, and the site offers far reaching views and diverse vegetation to explore. Residents will have the freedom to move between the barn and the habitat whenever they choose. Freedom of choice is so important.
Next year, pending funds raised, we will add another habitat that will stretch down into the valley. The more space the better!
The habitat will connect to the barn so that the elephants have freedom of movement
The new drilling machine has helped to speed up the process
The habitat is undulating and offers far reaching views – and before too long we plan to be giving elephants more space to roam.
