Foot disease is the leading cause of premature death in captive elephants and represents one of the most significant and tractable welfare challenges in zoo management.
Elephant foot welfare is a microcosm of the larger challenge of keeping megafauna in captivity. Wild elephants walk 30-50 kilometres daily on varied terrain that naturally maintains hoof health. Captive elephants on hard substrates with limited space develop the elephant equivalent of standing all day in ill-fitting shoes: chronic inflammation, nail cracks, abscess formation, and eventually the debilitating pad disease that ends lives prematurely. The solutions are well-understood: soft substrates, daily movement, weight management, and consistent foot care. Many accredited zoos have implemented these changes with measurable welfare improvements. The remaining challenge is extending best practice to all facilities - including private collections and poorly regulated roadside zoos - where foot care is often inadequate.