Monsoon Playbook: Heat, Flood & Drought Preparedness for Elephant Welfare in Rajasthan

Introduction

The monsoon season in Rajasthan brings with it a unique set of climatic challenges and opportunities—particularly for the welfare of elephants. In a landscape known for its arid heat, sudden downpours, and occasional drought spells, the welfare of captive and semi-captive elephants demands proactive and seasonally adapted protocols. At our facility in Rajasthan, we combine seasonal operations with climate-adaptation protocols to ensure our elephants thrive—not merely survive—through heat waves, monsoon flooding, and dry spells.

Why is this so important? Elephants are large animals with high metabolic heat production; in a hot, semi-arid climate like Rajasthan, heat stress is a real threat. At the same time, waterlogged grounds from heavy rains, inadequate drainage, or flooded enclosures can lead to foot & hoof problems, accidents, skin issues and behavioural stress. Conversely, during drought or low-rain periods, water scarcity adds another layer of risk—limited bathing/wallowing opportunities, insufficient forage hydration, and increased competition for resources. By implementing a robust “Monsoon Playbook”, we ensure elephants enjoy high standards of welfare year-round and our visitors get the best, sustainable, ethical experience.

This blog will walk you through our approach: the protocols, the seasonal workflows, the practical care strategies (shade, hydration, mud wallows, vet heat-stress SOPs), and how you as a visitor can book and support such welfare-driven experiences.

Context: Why Elephant Welfare in Rajasthan Needs Special Attention

Climatic and environmental factors

• In Rajasthan, temperatures can soar, sometimes nearing 50 °C.
• Rain arrives seasonally and often in intense bursts, requiring robust drainage, water-management and habitat design.
• When rains fail or are erratic, drought conditions reduce water availability, forage quality and bathing opportunities for elephants.
• Captive or semi-captive elephants in Rajasthan are outside their natural forest-habitat conditions, which means extra care is required. In one study of captive elephants in Jaipur, nearly all examined elephants had foot or nail cracks, corneal opacities, and injuries.

Welfare challenges

• Heat stress: high ambient temperature + large body mass = major thermoregulation requirement.
• Foot/hoof problems: wet, muddy or waterlogged grounds can cause cracks, infections; dry, hard ground can cause sole cracks or nail issues.
• Skin and hygiene: elephants need bathing, mud-wallowing to cool down, protect skin from sun/parasites.
• Movement & enrichment: Being in captive setups far from wild roaming leads to behavioural stress and welfare deficits.
• Ethical tourism: Working or ride-elephants in historic forts (e.g., in Jaipur) face questionable welfare.

Given this background, our monsoon playbook is designed to be season-adaptive, welfare-first, and to support both the elephants’ needs and visitor engagement in an ethical manner.

Season-by-Season Workflow & Protocols

We break the year into three major climatic phases for our elephants in Rajasthan:

1. Pre-monsoon / Heat-build phase
2. Monsoon / Rain & Flood phase
3. Post-monsoon / Drought / Recovery phase

1. Pre-monsoon / Heat-build phase

This is typically the hottest period just ahead of the rains. Key aims: ramp up shade and cooling infrastructure, pre-empt heat stress, prepare for upcoming water influx.

Key protocols:

• Shade construction & review: Ensure each shelter (thaan) has adequate shade cover, natural ventilation, heat-reflective roofing where possible. We inspect and repair any damaged roofing, ensure that earthen materials, local stone and clay are used (which helps with thermal inertia).
• Hydration planning: Ensure abundant clean water supply, check plumbing, check underground channels or bore-holes, schedule more frequent drinking cycles for each elephant.
• Mud-wallow & dust-bath preparation: Build or refurbish mud-wallow zones (shallow excavated zones with soft earth + water) for elephants to use daily. Provide safe dust-bath areas as alternative.
• Vet heat-stress SOP:
  • Monitor body temperature (rectal or auricular), respiration rate, water intake, skin condition.
  • If temperature > 39.5 °C (or species-specific threshold)+: initiate cooling protocol: shaded immersion bath, misting, electrolyte hydration, veterinary check for dehydration.
  • Feed schedule adjusted: avoid midday heavy feeds, shift heavy feeding to early morning or late afternoon when cooler.
• Enrichment & movement adjustments: In the hottest hours, restrict strenuous movement; provide enriched tasks during cooler hours (early morning/late evening).
• Ground/foot surface inspection: Pre-monsoon, ground may be hard and cracked—inspect for risk of sole cracks or nail issues, as such damage has been common in Rajasthan captive elephants.

2. Monsoon / Rain & Flood phase

With rainfall comes both relief (cooling opportunity) and risks (flooding, waterlogging, muddy hazards, vector-borne disease). Our protocols focus on staying safe, dry where necessary, and making the most of bathing opportunities.

Key protocols:

• Drainage & flood management: Inspect and clear all drainage channels, ensure water doesn’t pool excessively in walking paths, around shelters or mud-wallow zones; standing water is a risk for slips, foot infections, mosquitoes. At our facility we follow subterranean conduits + overflow reservoirs to maintain cooling but avoid stagnation.
• Enhanced bathing/mud-wallow routine:
  • Elephants get at least one supervised mud-wallow + water-bath session daily, weather permitting.
  • Mud wallows designed with gentle slope, non-slippery base, safe entry/exit steps for elephants.
  • Use natural soft earth blended with added sand for traction and foot health.
• Foot & hoof care inspections: Due to moisture exposure, inspect for fungal infections, foot rot, cracked nails, sole softness. Any sign of issue → vet review.
• Shelter wet-weather check: Ensure shelters are leak-free, bedding is kept dry, pathways are non-slip, ensure overhead storage of hay/feeds is dry.
• Vector control & hygiene: With increased moisture and potentially stagnant water, mosquitoes/flies increase. Implement anti-mosquito misting, clean dung removal, ensure mud-wallow water changes regularly.
• Safe foraging & movement: Heavy rain may make ground unstable; adjust movement routes for elephants accordingly (avoid deep mud, slippery slopes). Provide enriched indoor or covered activities if outdoor movement is restricted.
• Heat-stress is still possible: Even during monsoon, there may be warm humid days; monitoring remains essential.
• Visitor interaction adaptation: On rainy days, if visitor access is allowed, ensure safe, dry viewing zones, modify any ride or walk activities to respect welfare (or suspend if weather too extreme).

3. Post-monsoon / Drought / Recovery phase

After the rains subside, we may face dry spells again, reduced water levels, harder ground, potential feed shortages. The aim here is recovery, preparation for the next heat phase, and consolidation of welfare.

Key protocols:

• Water resource replenishment & conservation: Repair any rain-damage to reservoirs, recharge bore-wells, inspect underground water channels, implement water-saving practices (e.g., scheduled bathing rather than free-roam).
• Ground and substrate repair: Replace worn mud-wallow floors, resurface paths, ensure soft substrate for elephant feet (to avoid sole cracks). Because in arid times, hard dry ground causes high incidence of sole cracks.
• Forage and nutrition review: Post-monsoon, vegetation may dry out; adjust diet to include higher moisture feeds (bananas, green grasses, sugarcane, palm fronds) and monitor body condition.
• Shade & cooling infrastructure maintenance: Even though rains are over, we still gear up for next heat cycle. Clean and repair shade structures, ensure ventilation is intact.
• Vet checkups & recovery monitoring: After heavy season, perform veterinary full-check: foot/hoof, eyes (corneal issues common from dust and heat), body-condition, dental, skin.
• Behavioural enrichment & rest period: Provide more resting/social time for elephants post heavy season; enrich with gentle walks, social interactions, quiet times—with reduced visitor-activity load if appropriate.
• Visitor campaign: This is a good time to invite visitors in the “gentle season” where elephants are relaxed, bathing zones active, wellness tours under cooler skies.

Key Infrastructure & Welfare Elements

Here are some of the specific elements we prioritise:

• Purpose-built shelters (“Thaan”): Using locally sourced stone, clay, corrugated roofs insulated by hay/thatched storage overhead. Helps with thermal regulation in heat.
• Bathing ponds & mud wallows: Located adjacent to enclosures for easy access; interconnected water distribution ensures plenty of water for cooling.
• Underground water channels & reservoirs: To store monsoon rain and provide coolant base through summer heat.
• Foot/hoof-friendly substrates: Walking paths, wallow floors, resting pads use soft earth, sand, gentle slopes; avoid concrete wherever possible.
• Shade trees, canopy & free-movement zones: Natural shading through plantation of native trees, large over-hangs in shelters.
• Hydration stations: At multiple points: drinking troughs, water-carry schedules, mobile buckets for strolls.
• Emergency veterinary station: Heat‐stroke kit (electrolytes, cooling blankets, misting fans), foot‐care kit (foot baths, anti‐fungal), general wellness equipment.
• Visitor interface designed for welfare: Viewing platforms at safe distance; no heavy rides on hot days; education on elephant behaviour; informed tours with welfare focus (rather than exploitation).

Practical Daily Routine (Example)

Here’s how a typical day might look during the monsoon phase:

Time	Activity
05:30–07:30	Morning walk in cooler early hours; welfare check (body condition, feet, eyes)
07:30–10:30	Bathing/mud-wallow session supervised; hydration; light forage feed
10:30–12:00	Rest in shade, dust-bath, enrichment (sensory feeding, puzzle feeders)
12:00–14:00	Handler and veterinary check – foot inspection, minor treatments if needed
14:00–16:00	Shelter rest during peak heat/rain; light interactive activities if weather allows
16:00–18:00	Afternoon foraging walk or social time, hydration; dust bath again
18:00–19:30	Evening feeding, herbal supplements or enrichment treats
After dark	Low-light walk or rest, ensure pathways are safe (mud/free of hazards)

Throughout the day:

• Monitor weather: If heavy rains, suspend walks, focus on shelter care.
• Daily logs: handlers record hydration, feeding, any signs of distress or foot issues.
• Visitor interactions (if any) scheduled outside the most stressful times for the elephants (i.e., avoid midday, avoid heavy rain).

Why Our Approach Is Unique

• Season‐specific protocols: Not a one-size-fits all; the monsoon, heat and drought phases each have dedicated protocols.
• Climate adaptation embedded: We integrate local construction materials, water infrastructure, and natural substrates (as seen in recent research in Rajasthan) to reflect the arid + monsoon regime.
• Focus on genuine welfare, not just tourist spectacle: Many captive elephants in Rajasthan suffer from foot problems, overwork, poor housing. Our model emphasises rest, movement, bathing, foot care and welfare first.
• Visitor experience tied to welfare: We encourage visitors to book through our website, ensuring that their interaction is ethical, welfare-centric, supports the elephants, and gives them an enriching but responsible experience.
• Holistic care: From shade to hydration to vet protocols to soil substrates, the system leaves no major welfare element untreated.

Encouragement to Book & Support Responsible Elephant Experiences

We believe that tourism can help elephant welfare—if done right. By booking through our website, you:

• Support an elephant-welfare oriented facility that operates with the elephants, not against them.
• Get a meaningful experience: behind-the-scenes insights, supervised bathing sessions, educational short talk about elephant climate adaptation & welfare.
• Contribute directly to the upkeep of the infrastructure (shade structures, foot care stations, mud wallows, veterinary equipment).
• Make a conscious choice for ethical elephant tourism—no rides in the midday heat, no overwork, no abusive practices.
• Help us scale and refine our monsoon playbook each year—your feedback and support matter.

Book now on our website (link) to secure your ethical elephant-encounter slot for the coming season. Limited slots, welfare-first.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Q: Why do elephants need special care during the monsoon in Rajasthan?
A: Because heavy rains can cause waterlogging, muddy hazards, vector-borne disease, and also interrupt normal bathing/foraging schedules. In a semi-arid region like Rajasthan, the transition from extreme heat to heavy rain requires adaptive infrastructure and management.

2. Q: How often do the elephants get bathing and mud-wallow sessions?
A: During the monsoon/heat phases, we aim for at least one supervised bathing + mud-wallow session daily, weather permitting. On extremely hot days or if rain disrupts schedules, we adjust accordingly.

3. Q: Do visitors ride the elephants?
A: We prioritise elephant welfare above rides. If rides are offered, they are carefully timed (cooler hours), weight limits strictly enforced, and all foot/hoof and health checks passed. Many of our interactions are observation, bathing-assist, enrichment activities rather than rides.

4. Q: What happens if there is flooding or heavy rain during the session?
A: We suspend any movement or visitor interaction during unsafe weather. Elephants are secured in dry shelters, pathways are checked for safety, and handlers conduct welfare checks. Visitor bookings are adjusted or rescheduled in such events.

5. Q: How is heat stress monitored and managed?
A: Our veterinary team follows detailed SOPs: monitoring body temperature, respiration and hydration. If thresholds exceed safe limits, cooling blankets, misting fans, shade immersion, and electrolytes are administered. Rest periods and movement restrictions apply.

6. Q: What measures are taken for foot and hoof health?
A: Ground substrates (walking paths, wallow floors) are inspected frequently; mud wallows are designed for safe entry/exit; daily logs capture any cracks, nails, sole softness; veterinary foot-baths, anti-fungal treatments or trimming scheduled as needed. Research shows many elephants in Rajasthan captive setups suffer foot/hoof issues.

7. Q: How is the visitor experience aligned with elephant welfare?
A: Visitors are guided to understand welfare practices, keep safe distances, avoid midday high-heat interaction, respect elephant behaviour signals. Sessions are supervised by mahouts and welfare staff. By booking through us you support welfare-centric practices rather than exploitative ones.

8. Q: What happens during drought or dry spells?
A: We switch to drought-mode protocols: water-conservation, adjust forage diet, repair wallow floors and shelter shade, rehabilitate substrate to avoid sole cracks, ensure movement routes remain safe and soft. Pre-empting dry-season issues is key.

9. Q: Can schools or groups book educational sessions?
A: Yes. We offer tailored educational programmes focused on elephant biology, climate adaptation, seasonal welfare protocols, and ethical tourism. These sessions are aligned to our monsoon playbook and promote conservation awareness.

10. Q: How can a visitor help beyond booking?
A: By choosing welfare-centred experiences, giving feedback, spreading awareness of ethical elephant tourism, and contributing (if you like) to conservation & welfare funds for infrastructure upkeep.

Summary & Way Forward

Caring for elephants in Rajasthan is not static—it is dynamic, seasonal, and demands a holistic approach. From extreme heat to torrential monsoon rains to dry post-rain spells, each phase brings different welfare requirements. Our Monsoon Playbook ensures that every elephant under our care experiences appropriate shade, hydration, mud-wallowing, foot health, veterinary protocols and enrichment—while giving visitors a meaningful, ethical experience.

By focusing on structure (shade & infrastructure), process (daily routines, vet protocols), and culture (visitor awareness, welfare transparency), we create a replicable model of elephant welfare in challenging climates.