Our elephants are given a regular annual check up by our vet and if necessary are seen more often. In addition, special tests are run periodically to ensure the elephants are not infected with TB (which is obtained by coming in contact with humans that are TB positive). Note: It has not been proven that any human can be infected with TB due to coming in contact with elephants. The most effective test is a trunk wash. A saline solution is squirted into the trunk and then the elephant squirts it back into a bag. The bag is then sent to a lab where bacteria are grown. The bacteria are then tested for TB and show the results accurately to be positive or negative. Note: Not one of our elephants has been tested positive. We also take blood samples weekly, which are used to help with the reproduction program. The blood tests show when the elephant is most likely to conceive and helps to monitor elephants that are already pregnant. An elephant is pregnant for 22 months.