Male elephants experience musth, a periodic hormonal state associated with aggression, that poses unique challenges for captive management and animal welfare.
Chaining bull elephants during musth — a normal biological process — causes profound welfare harm. Restraint prevents natural movement, causes musculoskeletal problems, and denies the animal expression of normal behavior. The alternative of denying the conditions that allow natural musth cycling is equally problematic. Elephant sanctuaries are developing management approaches using protected contact that allow bulls more freedom while maintaining safety, but resources remain limited.