The management of elephants under the care of humans encompasses a variety of methods and means of training. The Elephant Restraint Device (ERD) is an example of one such management tool. The purpose of an ERD is to restrict the elephant's movements in an environment safe for the handlers and elephants, while allowing handlers access for routine husbandry and medical care.

The AZA Elephant Standards, updated 5 May 2003, required all facilities housing elephants to have an elephant restraint device (ERD) by 2006.

Below is contact information for three companies that build ERDs.

Frank Couch
Couch's Steel Construction
P.O. Box 249
Gulf Hammock, FL 32639
352-486-4068

Bill Cummings & Sons
Box 1635 W. Hwy.50
Garden City, KS 67846
(316) 277-2293

Todd Ricketts
phone 915-479-5700
Fax 915-845-6916
email : todricketts@earthlink.net