Matt

A Secret Language: Infrasonic Communication in Elephants Elephants are highly intelligent, complex, and social animals, with intricate herd dynamics. They have evolved advanced communication abilities, and use a vast array of techniques to convey messages to other elephants, not only in their immediate vicinity, but sometimes across great distances. We have previously discussed the general […]

Elephants in Belief, Ritual, and Ceremony in Thailand The elephant, as both animal and symbol, is inextricably woven into the fabric of human spiritual belief in many parts of the world. Represented in formal religious traditions, mythologies, folklore, superstitions, animism, and magical practices, elephants have, for millennia, captivated us with their immense power, poise, and […]

Elephants: Domestic or Captive? The relationship between Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) and humans has a long, complex, and partially obscure history. It is not known when the first elephant was captured or kept by humans, but it is generally agreed that the earliest known representations of elephants in captivity have been found on seals from […]

Thai Elephant-Assisted Therapy Research Outcomes in Autistic Individuals Mental health, including emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing, is extremely important, and can impact every part of our existence. According to some estimates, up to 25% of people will personally experience mental health problems at some point in their lives, meaning that both mental health awareness and […]

Key Factors Impacting Domestic Asian Elephant Welfare (Part II) A huge variety of factors play a role in determining the health and wellbeing of domestic elephants, many of which can be controlled, to some extent, by humans. Because elephant welfare depends greatly on human actions, Mahouts (elephant caretakers), elephant owners, and others involved in the […]

Key Factors Impacting Domestic Asian Elephant Welfare (Part I) In Thailand, according to a 2020 study, there are approximately 7,000 Asian elephants, with just under 4,000 being domestic or captive, and the remaining 3,000-3,500 being wild. Domestic elephants comprise a significant and highly important percentage of the overall elephant population, and as such, their welfare […]

Communication in Asian Elephants Asian elephants are highly intelligent creatures with complex social lives and a hierarchical herd structure. To facilitate the creation and maintenance of such intricate social interaction, elephants have evolved a broad array of communication methods and techniques. These include communication methods which utilise senses we are familiar with as humans – […]

Fundamentals of Foot Care in Asian Elephants Foot care is a vital component of any healthcare routine for domestic Asian elephants. Some conditions common in captivity, such as inactivity due to limited environmental stimulation, as well as exposure to hard surfaces like packed dirt and concrete, can have a detrimental impact on elephant foot health. […]

Common Diagnostic Practices & the Importance of Physical Examination in Asian Elephants Asian elephants are susceptible to a large number of ailments throughout their lifespan, ranging from relatively minor problems to potentially life-threatening, rapid-onset issues which require immediate specialised treatment. When caring for domestic elephants, The Care Project Foundation emphasises close monitoring, prophylactic administration of […]

For centuries, Asian elephants have been revered for their strength, intelligence, and longevity. While they are undoubtedly resilient and robust creatures, capable of surviving in extremely harsh conditions, elephants are mammals with a complex anatomy, and as such, they are susceptible to a variety of diseases and other health problems. We at the Care Project […]