Zoo Builds Elephant Treadmill

[matcom]

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THE Alaska zoo is to build what it believes to be the world's first elephant treadmill as part of plans to enrich its only elephant's life with better accommodation and activities.

At 4,136kgs, Maggie could stand to lose some weight. Zoo officials are talking with engineers and manufacturers about building Maggie her very own exercise equipment.

"Elephants are just like people, they will be as lazy as they can be and still eat," said zoo director Tex Edwards.

Designing and building the first elephant treadmill could cost between $US150,000-$US250,000 ($205,000 - $340,000), Edwards said. The zoo has talked with mining experts because they know about heavy loads, conveyers and belts.

"We hope to be the first zoo in the world with an elephant treadmill," Edwards said.

http://www.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4057,11009975%255E13762,00.html