Scientists at the Warsaw Zoo have been taking blood, saliva and other samples from the zoo’s three elephants in recent days to prepare to test whether giving them hemp oil can reduce their stress.
Check out these photos of Dr. Agnieszka Czujkowska, a zoo veterinarian and Patryk Pycinski, a mammal expert, as they administer the tests and interact with the pachyderms.
Scientists take saliva samples from Fredzia, the sole male elephant in a group of three elephants at the zoo on Friday Aug. 28, 2020, in Warsaw, Poland. Scientists at Warsaw’s zoo have been taking blood, saliva and other samples from the zoo’s three elephants in recent days in preparations to test whether giving them hemp oil can reduce their stress. Zoo veterinarian Dr. Agnieszka Czujkowska said Friday that hemp oil, also known as CBD, or cannabidiol oil, has been shown to reduce anxiety and stress in other animals, including horses and dogs. They are starting their tests on their three African elephants, who have undergone a period of stress following the death in March of an older female, Erna. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)
Scientists take saliva samples from Fredzia, the sole male elephant in a group of three elephants at the zoo on Friday Aug. 28, 2020, in Warsaw, Poland.
A zookeeper peers into the pen of one of the elephants at the zoo.in Warsaw, Poland, Friday, Aug. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski). Scientists at Warsaw’s zoo have been taking blood, saliva and other samples from the zoo’s three elephants in recent days in preparations to test whether giving them hemp oil can reduce their stress. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)
Veterinarian Dr. Agnieszka Czujkowska take blood samples from Leon, the sole male elephant at the zoo on Friday Aug. 28, 2020, in Warsaw, Poland. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)
Warsaw zoo’s elephants Fredzia is shown in her enclosure in Warsaw, Poland, Friday, Aug. 28, 2020 (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)
Warsaw veterinarian Dr. Agnieszka Czujkowska speaks to the media in Warsaw, Poland, Friday, Aug. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)
Patryk Pycinski, a mammal expert, prepares a male elephant, Leon, to take a saliva sample in Warsaw, Poland, Friday, Aug. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)