Using GPS to improve the welfare of Asian and African zoo elephants

摘要

Asian and African elephants (Elephas maximus and Loxodonta spp.) are particularly vulnerable to welfare concerns in zoos due to their high intelligence, complex social structure, and sheer size. Zoo elephants are also limited by the space available to them, and the resulting lack of exercise may contribute to health issues. In order to better understand the factors that affect zoo elephant movement, researchers have recently started using GPS data loggers. Here we discuss the variables that are important to consider during GPS data collection, processing and analysis. We also reflect on the unique challenges faced when using this technology in a zoological institution and with the world's largest land mammals. Our discussion will reference our 2012 elephant welfare study in which we used GPS anklets to track 80 elephants at 43 North American zoos, a project unprecedented in its size and scope.