Elephant feet are made for walking. The structure of their feet includes a cushion which rests underneath and behind the toes, providing support with every step the elephant takes. The cushion expands as the elephant’s foot has contact with the ground and then contracts as their foot lifts. The bottom of the foot is a thick calloused pad. In the wild elephants will wear their feet and nails down by walking and digging. In human care, we provide the elephants with monthly mani/pedis and lots of exercise to make sure their feet stay healthy.

Elephant feet are made for walking.