Elephants used in tourism, logging, and some conservation programs face unique welfare challenges. Evidence-based standards are transforming how working elephant welfare is assessed and improved.
Working elephant welfare is complex because elephants in some contexts play conservation roles while experiencing serious welfare compromises. The evidence is clear that traditional training methods involving pain and fear cause lasting trauma, while positive reinforcement builds genuine cooperation and better welfare outcomes for both elephants and mahouts. The tourism industry has significant power to drive change through certification schemes that assess actual welfare standards rather than superficial appearance. Key welfare indicators include freedom of movement, social contact with other elephants, absence of stereotypies, and evidence of positive affective states.