Elephant welfare in zoos has been subject to sustained scientific scrutiny, revealing systematic challenges in meeting the complex needs of these intelligent social animals.
The welfare gap between captive and wild elephant needs is among the largest of any zoo species. Elephants evolved for continuous walking, complex social relationships, and environmental exploration that zoos cannot replicate. Chronic stress causes stereotypies, aggression, and health problems. Despite improvements in some facilities, the species remains fundamentally poorly suited to captive exhibition.