Elephants in zoos have long been recognised as among the most challenging species to keep humanely, with evidence of chronic welfare problems even in well-resourced facilities.
The fundamental challenge of elephant welfare in zoos is that the species' physical and social needs cannot be fully met even in large zoo exhibits. Elephants need constant movement to maintain foot and joint health, complex social bonds that take years to form, and cognitive stimulation matching their large brain capacity. Progressive zoos are investing in much larger, more naturalistic facilities and improved social groupings, but some welfare advocates argue that genuine conservation-linked sanctuaries better serve elephants' needs than traditional zoo contexts.