Standards for elephant management and care
Publication Type: |
Report |
Year of Publication: |
2003 |
Authors: |
Association of Zoos and Aquariums |
Publication/Journal: |
|
Publisher: |
Association of Zoos and Aquariums |
Keywords: |
aza, care, care manual, elephants, management |
Abstract:
The following standards apply to the husbandry and management of both African (Loxodonta africana) and Asian (Elephas maximus) elephants in AZA accredited institutions, AZA related facilities, and non-member participants in the AZA Elephant Species Survival Plan (SSP). The intelligence, strength, and social needs of these magnificent animals can pose many challenges for captive managers. Institutions desiring tohold elephants should therefore understand the substantial human, financial, and ethical commitments involved in appropriately maintaining these large and potentially dangerous species (Hutchins and Smith 1999). These standards have been developed to guideinstitutions that are planning and improving their elephant programs and are considered during the AZA accreditation process and non-member SSP participant evaluation. The AZA Board of Directors has instructed the Accreditation Commission to
immediately require written verification fromAZA member institutions holding elephants, certifying that they are meeting the required standards (BOD 3/25/03).