Shortland Street's gentle giants
Scrubbing down an enormous elephant isn't your every-day
activity, but it was all part of the job for several
Shortland Street
actors recently.
Relishing the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with
these two gentle giants, this was definitely an experience to
remember!
As part of the Auckland Zoo's'Adopt an Animal' programme,
Shortland Street
has chosen to support
their two beautiful Asian elephants.
Weighing over three tones, the elephants towered over Beth Allen,
Amanda Billing, Ido Drent and Kimberley Crossman - but they quickly
learnt that there is more than meets the eye with these gigantic
creatures.
"I was surprised at how loving and intimate they were. They were
very interested in us," says Ido. "I loved washing them and feeding
them treats. It was also a pretty amazing feeling when such a large
animal rolls over and allows you to wash them."
Kimberley agrees, commenting on the surprising texture of their
skin.
"This came as quite a shock to me! The surface skin is so rough and
is covered in stringy pieces of hair," says Kimberley. "When we
were scrubbing them down I was repeatedly reminded that I needed to
scrub harder!"
Kashin and Burma are good friends, but they have very different
personalities and it wasn't long until these individual traits
began shining through.
"It was hilarious! Kashin was happy to lie there being washed by
everyone (and being fed), while Burma was a bit more impatient,"
says Beth. "She kept trying to wander away and attempting to bribe
me for more bananas."
Offering numerous behind-the-scene tours, the Auckland Zoo gives
people the opportunity to have an intimate experience, with some
amazing animals, without having to travel across the world.
"The experience for me was one I will always remember," says
Kimberley. "Being able to get so close to the elephants, and to
learn so much about them was really unbelievable."
"I would highly recommend a Zoom Encounter to anyone," agrees Beth.
"I felt absolutely elated, with a huge amount of respect and
admiration for these beautiful animals and the dedicated team who
take care of them."
Check out
our
photogallery
which captures some of your
favourite Shorty Street stars meeting the remarkable elephants at
the Auckland Zoo.
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