Olson, D. (Ed.). (2004). Elephant Husbandry Resource Guide. Lawrence: Allen Press.


The Elephant Husbandry Resource Guide is a comprehensive text that draws together accumulated knowledge and best practices about elephant management. This resource guide addresses both the physical and psychological well-being of the elephants maintained in human care.  As a professional elephant handler, manager, or anyone associated with elephant care, this resource guide provides information about training management, husbandry, tools and equipment, facility design, nutrition, and more. 

The leading elephant specialists in North America, representing hundreds of years of elephant experience, contributed to this volume. The Elephant Husbandry Resource Guide was funded by the International Elephant Foundation and edited by Deborah Olson, the Director of Science and Conservation at the Indianapolis Zoo and Executive Director for the International Elephant Foundation. Olson is currently the Editor of the Journal of the Elephant Managers Association and the North American Region African Elephant Studbook keeper. Olson has over 20 years of African elephant experience.

The Elephant Husbandry Resource Guide has been reviewed and approved by the International Elephant Foundation, Elephant Managers Association, and American Zoo and Aquarium Association.