Policy - Management of solitary elephants

Summary

The Exhibited Animals Advisory Committee (on 10 November 2004) recognised that elephants in the wild are typically social, however elephant behaviour in captivity can differ significantly from their behaviour in the wild.

The Committee agreed that it was inappropriate to have a policy of compulsory introductions of solitary elephants to other elephants due to the complexity of their behaviour, established bonds with trainers and difficulties in finding appropriate partners.

The Exhibited Animals Advisory Committee’s subsequent considerations outlining the major issues involved with the occurrence and holding of solitary elephants are described in this document.