Foot problems are the leading cause of premature death in zoo elephants. Proper foot care and appropriate substrate are critical to elephant health and welfare.
Elephant feet are complex structures requiring constant maintenance that is provided naturally through movement in the wild. In captivity, restricted movement on hard substrates leads to chronic foot infections, overgrown nails, cracked pads, and osteomyelitis. These conditions cause severe chronic pain that significantly reduces quality of life and lifespan. Modern zoo practice emphasizes sand and soil substrates, large enclosures encouraging movement, and trained cooperative care allowing regular foot inspection and treatment.