Story Created:
Oct 23, 2007 at 6:51 PM AKDT
Story Updated:
Oct 23, 2007 at 11:56 PM AKDT
Maggie the Elephant is one step closer to leaving Alaska. Her special crate has arrived, and we got a look at her training inside it. We're still waiting on word from the Air Force on whether it'll fly Maggie down south on a C-17. We expect to hear about that real soon. In the meantime, the 8,000 pound-pachyderm is getting ready for her trip.
Maggie the Elephant is responding well to training in her crate for her move to Northern California's PAWS Sanctuary. For the first time yesterday, she picked-up her foot and put it on the bars. Her good-behavior is reinforced with whistles and treats. For long-time animal-trainer, Margaret Whittaker, the biggest challenge is over.
"The crate training with maggie is easy. A lot of elephants will be afraid of going in to a closed space if they've not had the experience before, but she's been really good getting into the crate," says Whittaker.
Maggie's trainers use "targets" and have maggie touch them, so they can position her safely for the long-flight south. Her feet will be shackled so she doesn't turn around in-flight, and she won't have any tranquilizers.
Whittaker says "we want her to have all her faculties so if there's a bump in the road or in the air, she'll have all four feet to stand on and gauge her balance." The crate measures roughly 12-feet long by 6-feet wide and is nearly 9 and a half feet tall -- just big enough for an elephant.
Maggie's trainer of 8-years has nothing but optimism for Maggie at her new home. He'll accompany her south for a few weeks and then leave her behind, but he will still hold on to some good memories.
"The first time painting with her was fun. It's messy, very messy, she enjoys it," says trainer Jamie Logan. He hopes she'll have a lot more to enjoy with other elephants, "she's going to a good home, so i'll be alright."
Maggie's still packing her trunk... she's set to leave the Last Frontier for sunny California within 2 weeks. This Saturday and Sunday, there'll be a bon-voyage party for her at the Alaska Zoo -- both days from noon to 4pm. There'll be a banner to sign, a maggie thru-the-years slideshow, cake, and even a raffle. The big-prize will be a "Maggie" original painting.
