Facilitating the social behaviour of bull elephants in zoos

Abstract

In the wild, bull elephants socialize with conspecifics of all ages and both sexes, and young bulls develop social bonds with other elephants which will be sustained throughout their lives. Significant progress has been made towards providing an environment that facilitates social behaviour and multi‐generational family structure for female elephants in zoos. However, it is more complex and challenging to build facilities and manage groups of elephants in ways that allow fission–fusion herd dynamics and give the elephants choice over their environment. For bulls, this is further complicated by their potential strength and aggressive behaviour. To advance the development of best‐practice management for zoo elephants and achieve high standards of welfare, it is necessary to improve our understanding of the social and behavioural needs of bull elephants, and implement radical and innovative solutions to their care. In this paper we (1) consider how the social behaviour of bull elephants is addressed in zoos, comparing their social management with their behaviour in the wild, (2) contribute novel preliminary data about how these issues are addressed, and (3) propose some new approaches to the management of bull elephants in zoos for the future.

Longitudinal Improvements in Zoo-Housed Elephant Welfare: A Case Study at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

“…The strong association index observed between 'AM' and 'I' in the 'Summer' was not present throughout 'Winter' observation sessions as enclosure limitations prevented 'AM' socialising with 'I' throughout the winter. In the wild, male elephants are reported to socialise with conspecifics, forming batchelor groups with other males [65][66][67][68] and developing social relationships with females that may be maintained throughout their lives [67]. Hartley et al [67] highlight the issues surrounding social management of male elephants in zoos and the importance of adopting new approaches to management in the future.…”

“…In the wild, male elephants are reported to socialise with conspecifics, forming batchelor groups with other males [65][66][67][68] and developing social relationships with females that may be maintained throughout their lives [67]. Hartley et al [67] highlight the issues surrounding social management of male elephants in zoos and the importance of adopting new approaches to management in the future. Our data is further evidence that investment is needed in facilities to allow the free socialisation of males in a fission fusion system, during all weathers.…”

Editorial: Conservation of Elephants

“…Replication of this in zoos is challenging and expensive, and requires extensively developed infrastructure. Hartley et al () consider the social behavioural needs of bull elephants in zoos and suggest novel approaches to bull management using a fission–fusion system, an arrangement also suggested by Schmidt & Kappelhof () as a possible solution to allow male calves in zoos to remain with their natal group for longer. Zoos must facilitate herd social behaviours, maintain compatible herds, manage bulls and invest in appropriate facilities in support of these aims.…”

Personality and behavioral changes in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) following the death of herd members

“…Leaving their natal herd is seen as a gradual process taking up to 4 years (Hartley et al . 2019). Infant males benefit highly from male socialization for the development of successful reproductive behaviors (Poole & Granli 2009; Hartley et al .…”

“…Infant males benefit highly from male socialization for the development of successful reproductive behaviors (Poole & Granli 2009; Hartley et al . 2019). Often following older musth males, young male elephants spend more time socializing with older males, not necessarily relatives, as opposed to female herd members (Poole & Granli 2009; Hartley et al .…”