TYLER, Texas — Summer is officially here, and things can get hot under the Texas sun. Everyone is feeling brutal burn -- even the elephants at the Caldwell Zoo in Tyler. But these gentle giants found a unique way to stay cool in the high heat.
Half-brothers Amonti and Mac can often be found splashing in the the elephant pool. Frequently, keepers will unleash their water cannon, and the two elephants can't get enough.
"The water pen is kind of just like a fun way for them to like hang out at the pool. We love doing it. They love it so much." said Stephanie Hernandez, keeper of large mammals at the Caldwell Zoo.
This mimics some heat mitigation techniques that elephants practice in the wild. The water helps create mud, which the elephants often use as sunblock.
For more behind-the-scenes zoo content, watch CBS19 on Fridays during Morning Y'all for the weekly segment, Exploring the Caldwell Zoo.