The first week in January 2000 construction
began on a new water feature in the Safari Village. This new
area will provide a splash pool for our elephants
with plenty of viewing areas
for our visitors
This view shows the old service road
into the lowwer village which will soon
be replaced by a pool and waterfall.
Work with a backhoe begins
First the dirt must be removed to form
a hole aproximately 40' x 25' with a
depth ranging from 1 to 4 feet.
The pool begins to stake shape.
View from deep end as backhoe builds
a gradual slope which the elephants
will use to enter pool.
Large rocks are removed and set
aside to be used in building waterfall
Mary visits the pool site.
It is through her generous donation to the
elephant program at Wildlife Safari that this new area is possible
Mary consults horticultist Bob Craft
and elephant ranger Pat Flora
on progress of project.
We now have a big hole in
the lower village waiting for the
next step which will be
bringing in sand and
forming the shape.
February
Sand has been brought in and
as you can see a large amount
of rain water has accumulated in the deep
end of the pool.
Survey work is done to prepare for
the forming of the elephant pool.
Mesa stops during one of her trips around
the village to check out the work being done on the new pool.
The sand has been spread and
soon the actual shaping of the
pool will begin in preparation
for the cement work.
March
The front end of the pool is now
being built up to provide a depth
for the water of about 4 feet.
