Elephants Elephants - Wildpro - Twycross Zoo

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and education. However, these ranges of systems do compromise the safety
of the handler to varying degrees.
Elephant Restraint Devices (ERD) are an essential part of any elephant
management programme. The animal is handled through some type of
barrier while being restrained from walking away, with the use of an Elephant
Restraint Device (ERD) or an Elephant Restraint Chute (ERC) (Schmidt et al
1991). There are many varieties of ERDs, from a simple aisle reducing the
elephant’s space side-to-side, and front and rear, to the elaborate device with
movable walls and gates. However, both effectively restrict the elephant's
movements while allowing handlers access for routine husbandry and
medical care. Experience has shown that elephants tend not to resist
treatments when they are confined in an ERD.
An ERD restricts most—but not all—of the animal’s mobility. Movement of
the trunk, feet, and tail is limited but these extremities can still be used
aggressively. Therefore, although the access for husbandry and medical care
is safer, it is not risk free and handlers do come into contact with the elephant.
All facilities should have some form of ERD regardless of how the elephants
are managed. Changes in elephant behaviour, herd dynamics, elephants, and
personnel, along with the potential of a catastrophic illness or injury, make an
ERD a necessary piece of equipment.
The first ERD was produced in 1980 by the Oregon Zoo (Schmidt 1981). This
device was designed so that it could accommodate sexually mature males and
aggressive females. The design used two steel bar walls placed eight feet
apart, one on a centre pivot and the other completely movable. The pivot wall
creates the angle to hold an elephant regardless of the direction the elephant is
facing, and the movable wall closes to within close proximity of the pivot wall.
Remote hydraulic controls allow the handler to move an elephant safely into
the ERD. There are various designs which may be stationary or movable;
hydraulic, electric, or manual and some even have the ability to lay an
elephant over on its side.
Despite the many variations in design, there are a few basic elements shared
by all ERDs. An ERD should allow safe access to all four feet, tusks, trunk,
face, ears, both sides, hindquarters, and back by moving the animal or parts of
the ERD. The ERD has to open easily and quickly to free an elephant that has
collapsed. It should also be able to comfortably contain an elephant for
extended periods of time should the need arise for an ongoing or long-lasting
medical or husbandry procedure.
The ERD should be located in an area of the holding facility easily accessible
to the elephant and where its use is not dependent on the weather. Preferably,
the ERD should be placed in an aisle, so that the elephant has to go through
the restraint chute in order to access its outside yard. A by-pass ought to be
available, in case an elephant be confined for an extended length of time. The
ERD that functions as a walk-through, allowing animals to enter from either
end, increases the likelihood of the animal re-entering the chute after an
uncomfortable procedure. Daily familiarity of moving through and spending
time in the ERD will aid in the process of training the animal to enter the
device on command. Additionally, to ensure the continued successful use of