Elephants Elephants - Wildpro - Twycross Zoo

c
MANAGEMENT
d
Fig. 11. Elephants in protected contact, with use of (a) targets (b) ankus
in chute (c) target training to raise foot (d) foot raised to target
Elephant management systems in zoos are based on the traditional methods of
training that emerged over centuries in Asian countries. Techniques have
evolved and changed over the years and now that zoos are taking on the
serious task of keeping elephants in natural groupings, with the aim of
establishing self-sustaining captive populations, elephant managers and
handlers have been looking for new methods and/or modifying old ones.
Methods and techniques are still changing and this will be reflected in updates
to this document. Collections differ and each one should develop its elephant
programme based on its own circumstances and decide on the management
methods to be used. Protocols and plans need to be developed to clearly
identify the management technique that has been adopted by the collection.
This section of the guidelines aims to explain the rationale behind the different
methods and provide guidance to collections.
The traditional method of managing and training elephants in zoos is by free
contact, techniques which have evolved from the training methods used in
Asia and further refined in circuses. In this environment handlers/keepers/
trainers are in the same enclosure with the elephants. The use of chains does
not alter this definition. The keepers work in close proximity to, and sustain
physical contact with, the animals and maintain a position of social influence
in the herd. Behaviour is controlled by psychological means, operant
conditioning, manipulation, and restraint. Both positive and negative
reinforcement are used, as is punishment. Tools such as an ankus or elephant
hook are used to aid an elephant to respond to verbal commands and
compliance on the part of the elephant is mandatory.
Free contact puts the elephant in immediate contact with, and next to the
handler, allowing the elephant to be handled outside of its enclosure and
holding area. The handler carries an ankus. Through repetition and positive
reinforcement the elephant is taught to stay with the handler and respond to
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