The Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums (JAZA) is deeply engaged in and committed to realizing species-appropriate animal care that also meets individual needs in compliance with the Act on Welfare and Management of Animals.
This holds true for elephants. To ensure optimal welfare we believe that elephants should be cared for and housed in a meaningful group context, as they are highly social animals and their communicational and physical interactions among individuals are essential to welfare.
However, currently several Japanese institutions are caring for singly-housed elephants.
We are committed to review the needs for each individual elephant to assess and determine what is in his or her best interest. JAZA members will strive to transfer and integrate singly-housed elephants to a group structure where possible. Some elephants who have lived alone for a very long time might need longer habituation time to new and different environments, as well as social companions. Novelties can cause unnecessary distress, which we can prevent by considering the individual’s best interest.
By observing behavior and interactions, as well as considering their individual character, we intend to slowly integrate many of the singly-housed elephants. The elephants in singly-housed environments shall be provided with extensive environmental enrichment programs, offering choice, control, and complexity.
Improving the environmental quality of singly-housed elephants is not a simple problem that can be solved by individual institutions’ efforts alone. JAZA will be working with them with the leadership of its Elephant Management Committee
We are committed to improving the welfare of elephants and appreciate your continued understanding and support.
Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums
December 27, 2017
December 27, 2017
Updated: January 31, 2018