Library:Expansive, diverse habitats are vital for the welfare of elephants in captivity (report)
Expansive, diverse habitats are vital for the welfare of elephants in captivity is a report by Dr. Rob Atkinson and Dr. Keith Lindsay, published by the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation, examining the needs of elephants in captivity from a UK perspective. The report, supported by 90+ references and endorsed by 25 leading specialists, concludes that expansive, diverse habitats are critical to keeping captive elephants physically and psychologically healthy. The authors argue that elephants cannot lead completely meaningful lives in captivity due to enforced restrictions on their dynamic and complex behavior.
Recommendations
- To end the import and breeding of elephants to prevent any more individuals from being brought into a life where they inevitably suffer physically and psychologically.
- To consider repatriating all remaining elephants. If this is not possible, transfer them to one or more spacious refuges in a warm climate, where each elephant can have multiple companions and can access at least 100 hectares (247 acres) of varied, natural space. Zoos, private individuals or charities are options for taking this forward.
See also
- Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation
- Effects of captivity on elephants
- List of captive elephants
- List of deceased captive elephants