While a lot of Mumbaikars are familiar with Anarkali, the sole elephant at the Byculla zoo, not many know that she gets a pedicure every two to three weeks. The procedure is carried out to prevent foot infections.

“The feet and nails of Anarkali are inspected for cracks and overgrowth every morning while bathing her. Nails are rasped and trimmed if they are found to be overgrown every two weeks,” an official stated. Dr Sanjay Tripathi, director of Byculla zoo, said, “This is the routine process our caretakers do. To keep elephant foot infection free.” “If the nail is not trimmed in time, it can break. This can lead to scarring and infection,” he added.