Changing trends in elephant camp management in northern Thailand and implications for welfare

Abstract

BackgroundElephant camps are among the most attractive destinations in Thailand for tourists from many countries. A wide range of management strategies are used by these camps, which can have varied impacts on health and welfare of elephants.MethodsThis study surveyed 33 camps with 627 elephants in northern Thailand to quantify the types of management practices and work activities experienced by captive elephants. The survey consisted of an interview with camp owners, and direct observations of camp operations.ResultsData revealed considerable variation in elephant demographics, work activities, elephant care (i.e., housing, restraint, nutrition, health care, and breeding), and mahout management among the camps. In general, older camps (those in existence for >16 years) were involved in more intensive activities, like riding with saddles and shows. By contrast, newer camps provided more one-on-one activities for tourists and elephants, and emphasized more intimate, relaxing experiences (e.g., feeding, bathing, walking) than entertainment. A demographic shift also was observed, with elephants 20 years of age and younger having a sex ratio closer to 1:1 compared to elephants in older age categories (1:4.1–1:9.8).DiscussionShifts in elephant management to less intensive activities were observed, which could have positive implications for elephant welfare. The shifting sex ratio suggests successful captive breeding is resulting in the birth of more males, which could present new welfare challenges in the future, because bulls can be more difficult to manage and socialize, and are more likely to be kept isolated during musth. Ultimately, the goal is to understand how camp activities affect welfare, and to develop science-based guidelines and standards to aid in the management of both male and female elephants used in tourism.

Commonalities in Management and Husbandry Factors Important for Health and Welfare of Captive Elephants in North America and Thailand

“…Similarly, those that worked more hours per day in the form of saddle or bareback riding had lower BCSs [26][27][28]. Our recent survey of tourist camps in Thailand noted a shift in how elephants are managed, with newer camps offering more intimate, passive experiences, and less reliance on activities such as riding [4]. However, we propose that if elephants are not used for riding or shows, the amount and caloric content of food must also be reduced.…”

“…These rates were considerably lower than the prevalence of 64% reported for 194 elephants at 18 camps in 2007, which showed use of a rice sack as padding was a significant risk factor for having an active lesion [63]. Camps in northern Thailand, where the study [29] took place, generally use hammered bark, blankets, or sponge material as saddle padding [4], which may have lowered the incidence of saddle injuries. Resting on sand floors at night reduced the risk of a high WS in that study [29], although few facilities provide it in Thailand [4].…”

“…As data from the North American study were being analyzed and published, a series of studies by the co-authors was conducted between 2015-2019 in Thailand to determine if similar relationships between management and welfare outcomes existed for tourist elephants. The first study involved a survey that provided information on demographic, housing, and management factors of 627 adult elephants (156 male, 471 female) at 33 camps in Northern Thailand [4]. Questionnaire interviews with camp owners, managers, and veterinarians captured data on camp location, numbers of elephants, programs for tourists, work activities, and elephant management (e.g., nutrition, feeding, water, rest area, working, and healthcare).…”

“…Despite their importance, however, wild Asian elephants are endangered because of human-elephant conflict, habitat destruction, and poaching for ivory, skin, and other products [3]. About a third of Asian elephants today are managed under human care, used in religious, cultural, educational, and tourist activities [4]. Though not a panacea, captive breeding can aid species conservation efforts [5][6][7], and in the case of elephants, serve as sources of animals for reintroduction [8,9].…”

Influence of season, tourist activities and camp management on body condition, testicular and adrenal steroids, lipid profiles, and metabolic status in captive bull elephants in Thailand

“…There is growing recognition and concern that obesity and metabolic conditions are negatively impacting the health of many species, including humans, companion and domestic animals. A similar health concern exists for zoo-held species, including elephants, that often are fed diets tourists, and are often kept on shorter chains because of their more aggressive nature [64], which could lead to higher stress levels. A big challenge in captive elephant management is how to care for bulls in a way that meets their welfare needs; a problem that often is ignored because of 385 limited capacity to safely and humanely manage them.…”