Room to roam is nice, but, social interactions are more important. I think the zoos involved need to assess their current acres of land and determine who best can support more elephants to relieve what appears to be anxiety when alone.
July 14, 2016
By Pat Bailey
...The full research collection (click here) contains studies on elephant welfare factors including behavior, body condition, foot-and-joint health, female reproductive function and walking distance.
Some of the results confirmed the researchers’ expectations. For example one of the studies found that spending time on hard flooring was the No. 1 risk factor for both foot and musculoskeletal health problems, which were common in the elephant population.
Other findings revealed previously unknown links between elephant management and welfare. For example, a research team led by Joy Mench, professor in the UC Davis Department of Animal Science, and graduate student Brian Greco found that more than three-quarters of the elephants studied performed stereotypic behaviors such as swaying or rocking.
These types of behaviors are considered to be among the most important behavioral indicators that the welfare of a captive animal is compromised, but their causes are difficult to pinpoint....
July 14, 2016
By Pat Bailey
...The full research collection (click here) contains studies on elephant welfare factors including behavior, body condition, foot-and-joint health, female reproductive function and walking distance.
Some of the results confirmed the researchers’ expectations. For example one of the studies found that spending time on hard flooring was the No. 1 risk factor for both foot and musculoskeletal health problems, which were common in the elephant population.
Other findings revealed previously unknown links between elephant management and welfare. For example, a research team led by Joy Mench, professor in the UC Davis Department of Animal Science, and graduate student Brian Greco found that more than three-quarters of the elephants studied performed stereotypic behaviors such as swaying or rocking.
These types of behaviors are considered to be among the most important behavioral indicators that the welfare of a captive animal is compromised, but their causes are difficult to pinpoint....
