Musth - a periodic state of heightened testosterone and aggression in male elephants - presents significant management challenges in captivity. Humane approaches prioritise elephant welfare alongside keeper safety.
Musth management in captive elephants creates a welfare tension between keeper safety requirements and the welfare needs of the animal. Historically, bulls in musth were chained or severely restrained during these periods, causing significant welfare suffering. Modern best practice using protected contact and appropriate social management allows musth to proceed more naturally while maintaining safety. Providing bulls with larger spaces, appropriate social contact with females where possible, and minimal physical restraint during musth supports welfare during this normal physiological process.