Behavioral Enrichment for a Solitary Male Asian Elephant
Asian Elephant
Three different forms of behavioral enrichment were tested; a spin feeder stocked with a portion of the daily diet, large cardboard boxes in which a portion of the daily diet was hidden, and tubsicles. For each form of enrichment observations were made for four hours daily on a minimum of 10 experimental and 10 control days. The amount of time spent in active behaviors was significantly lower on experimental days for all three forms of enrichment.
2006
Correlations of Arousal and Vocal Output in Asian Elephants
Asian Elephant
The vocalizations from three Asian elephants were recorded to determine if there is a correlation between periods of behavioral arousal and the vocalizations of the animals.
2006
Understanding Adrenal Function in Elephants
African and Asian Elephant
We are developing noninvasive methods to characterize adrenal stress hormones, including cortisol, to be used in evaluating welfare issues.
Preliminary Study on the Use of Accelerometry to Measure Activity Levels of Captive African Elephants and Black Rhinoceroses
African Elephant
Two animals for which the AZA is prioritizing welfare research are the African elephant (Loxodonda africana) and black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis); both species are red-listed by the IUCN, and neither currently has a self-sustaining captive population (The American Zoo and Aquarium Association 2006). One behavior commonly considered a primary welfare indicator is activity level. Ideally, movement and a natural activity level is one element of proper physical and psychological health. However, many zoo enclosure and holding areas for elephants and rhinoceroses are substantially smaller than natural home ranges and can pare down the animal’ opportunity for locomotion (Brockett et al 1999). Captive elephants and rhinoceroses may therefore not be obtaining adequate amounts of daily exercise. Despite this, there are not many quantitative studies on captive activity levels in these species. One possible reason for this difficultly: measuring physical activity in zoo animals using traditional methods such as behavioral data or video recording is often time-consuming and inaccurate; field methods, such as radio tracking and GPS telemetry, are expensive and not always effective in smaller zoo enclosures…We propose the use of Actigraph accelerometer to determine the activity levels and daily distances traveled of African elephants and black rhinoceroses.
Socio-environmental Factors and Reproductive Activity in Elephants
African Elephant
Many African elephants of reproductive age are not cycling, and it is hypothesized this could be due to inadequate environmental or social situations. Studies will investigate how temperament, facilities, and husbandry impact.
2006
Development and Identity of Sexually Dimorphic Reproductive Signals and Responses by African Elephants
African Elephant
Urine samples from multiple zoos have been collected for us at specific times in the estrous cycle of African female elephants, particularly around the first, anovulatory LH surge (LH1) and the second ovulatory LH surge (LH2). We will use these samples for behavioral assays, as well as chemical analyses in a search for bioactive chemical signals. Based on the findings with Asian elephants, we hypothesize that females will respond more to the anovulatory LH1 urine, whereas males respond to the ovulatory LH2 urine. Knowledge gained through these studies may be useful in the development of safe and effective chemical deterrents to reduce detrimental elephant/human interactions in the wild. Thus, in addition to providing fundamental new biological knowledge about African elephants, we hope to play a part in the long-term survival of these magnificent mammals.
BEHAVIOR / ETHOLOGY
POPULATION MANAGEMENT
REPRODUCTIVE PHYSIOLOGY
PHYSIOLOGY
Year
Title
Species
Description of Project
2006
Behavior and Cortisol Levels of Captive African Elephants and Black Rhinoceroses
African Elephant
This project consists of collecting and integrating behavioral and endochronilogical data for African elephants and black rhinoceroses. The behavioral data will be collected via 20 minute observations on each individual three times per week. The endochronilogical data requires fecal samples from each individual three times per week for the duration of the project (approximately one year).
BIOTIC SURVEY
PATHOLOGY
Year
Title
Species
Description of Project
2006
Elephant Endothelial Herpes Virus Study and Testing
African Elephant
Submission of sample for testing and survey of ElephantEndothelial Herpes Virus. Results avaliable for PolymeraseChain Reaction, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, and DNAsequence of EEHV.
HUSBANDRY
VETERINARY
Year
Title
Species
Description of Project
2006
Evaluating Stress in Elephants
African and Asian Elephant
Environment and husbandry practices can affect animal welfare. We are studying how these are related to adrenal stress hormones in captive African elephants.
NUTRITION
Year
Title
Species
Description of Project
2006
Characterizing Elephant Milk Constituents
Asian Elephant
Little is known about the composition of elephant milk and how it differs from other animals. To produce adequate milk replacers, this information is important.
POPULATION BIOLOGY
POPULATION MANAGEMENT
RECORDS / DATA MANAGEMENT
GENETICS
Year
Title
Species
Description of Project
2006
Establishment of Labratory Protocol for Hair Identification by Keratin on Elephant and Giraffe
African Elephant
Hair samples were provided from 0.2 African elephants and1.2 reticulated giraffes for use in establishment of alaboratory protocol for identification of hairs by keratin.
REPRODUCTIVE PHYSIOLOGY
Year
Title
Species
Description of Project
2006
Characterization of Elephant Seminal Trials
African and Asian Elephant
The captive population of elephants in North American is no longer self-sustaining due to poor reproduction. Therefore, there is an urgent need to implement artificial insemination for genetic management. However, a majority of the elephants maintained captivity consistently produce poor quality ejaculates upon collection. This project will examine the impact of seminal plasma on sperm motility and viability in elephants.
2006
Cryopreservation of Elephant Spermatozoa
African and Asian Elephant
Availability of good quality semen is critical for a successful artificial insemination program. However, there are numerous difficulties associated with making available good quality fresh ejaculates regularly. Therefore, there is a need to develop sperm cryopreservation for elephants.
2006
Monitoring Elephant Reproduction in Zoo Elephants
African and Asian Elephant
As a service to zoos across North America, we are monitoring reproductive hormones to improve captive breeding efforts.
2006
Standardization of Assessment Techniques for Elephant Semen Cryopreservation
African and Asian elephant
Numerous techniques exist for assessing semen quality. This project will attempt to develop standard sperm assessment techniques.
2006
Understanding the Endocrine Control of Musth in Elephant Bulls
African and Asian Elephant
Long-term analyses of pituitary-adrenal-testicular hormones are being used to characterize patterns during musth in bull elephants. Goal is to understand what controls musth so that we can better manage bulls in zoos.
VETERINARY
PHYSIOLOGY
Year
Title
Species
Description of Project
2006
Indirect Oscillometric Blood Pressure Monitoring in African Elephants
African Elephant
The Kansas City Zoo is investigating the practical application of indirect oscillometric blood pressure monitoring in African elephants. This non-invasive method may reliably document blood pressure measurements in healthy elephants and may assist in evaluations of ill elephants.
