Elephants Under Human Care: The Behaviour, Ecology, and Welfare of Elephants in Captivity

This book is a comprehensive resource that brings together published research on the behavior, ecology, and welfare of elephants in captivity. It considers the work of various professionals and takes a multi-disciplinary approach. The book is valuable for researchers, students, zoo professionals, and managers interested in captive elephants. It discusses elephant welfare standards and their relationship to current knowledge.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 410 pages
Publication date: 05 October 2020
Publisher: Elsevier Science Publishing Co Inc

This groundbreaking book brings together, for the first time, a comprehensive collection of published research on the behavior, ecology, and welfare of elephants living in zoos, circuses, logging camps, and other captive environments. Taking a multi-disciplinary approach, it encompasses the work of zoo biologists, animal behavior and welfare scientists, veterinarians, philosophers, zoo educators, tourism specialists, conservation biologists, lawyers, and other professionals with a vested interest in elephants.

Elephants under Human Care: The Behavior, Ecology, and Welfare of Elephants in Captivity serves as a valuable resource for zoo biology and animal welfare researchers. It is also invaluable for students, zoo professionals, and managers seeking a comprehensive guide to the latest research on captive elephants. While not intended as a husbandry manual, the book delves into some of the elephant welfare standards established by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA). It explores how these standards align with our current understanding of captive elephants and sheds light on the ongoing efforts to improve their care and well-being.

The book is organized into five chapters, each covering a distinct aspect of elephant captivity. The first chapter provides an overview of the history and current status of captive elephants, including their distribution, population, and conservation challenges. The second chapter explores the behavior of captive elephants, including their social interactions, communication, and cognitive abilities. The third chapter focuses on the ecology of captive elephants, examining their habitat requirements, diet, and health issues. The fourth chapter examines the welfare of captive elephants, considering factors such as stress, physical and mental health, and the use of training and management techniques. The fifth chapter discusses the legal and ethical considerations surrounding the care and use of captive elephants, including issues related to ownership, breeding, and transportation.

Throughout the book, numerous case studies and examples are provided to illustrate the key findings and challenges associated with captive elephant care. These examples showcase the diverse range of captive environments and the unique challenges faced by elephants in different settings. They also highlight the successes and failures of various management and training techniques, providing valuable insights for practitioners and researchers alike.

Elephants under Human Care: The Behavior, Ecology, and Welfare of Elephants in Captivity is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of elephant captivity and the efforts to improve their care and well-being. It serves as a valuable resource for students, zoo professionals, researchers, and conservationists seeking to advance our knowledge and understanding of these magnificent animals.

Weight: 822g
Dimension: 191 x 234 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780128162088