[Jag_yoga] Another species is doing yoga to stay healthy: Elephants

[Jay Benesch]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2023/06/07/zoo-elephants-yoga-houston/

Teddy practiced his balance before stretching his body in a downward-dog pose during a yoga session last week. Afterward, he rewarded himself with a tasty treat.

The yoga session didn’t feature mats, relaxing music or meditation, though. Instead, Teddy completed his exercises at the Houston Zoo, where trainers guide the 2-year-old elephant in daily yoga exercises to monitor his health.

Kristin Windle, the zoo’s elephants supervisor, said the exercises are just as effective as they were nearly a century ago, when employees started them. She evaluates her 12 Asian elephants’ flexibility, energy and skin condition during their regimens.

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