Elephant welfare in zoos is among the most debated issues in captive animal management, with evidence of significant welfare problems in many facilities.
Elephants in zoos typically have access to a fraction of the space they would use in the wild, preventing the long-distance walking essential for physical and psychological health. Social group management is complicated by the needs of complex matriarchal societies. Reproductive problems, foot disease from standing on hard surfaces, and psychological stereotypies are common welfare indicators. Large sanctuaries with many acres of naturalistic habitat offer substantially better welfare outcomes than traditional zoo exhibits.