Ideal Elephant Enclosure Design

Abstract

This paper attempts to evaluate factors that would lead to an ideal elephant enclosure, providing the best experience for the guests, the keepers, and, most importantly, the elephants themselves. A literature review concerning the history of zoos, current enclosures, and elephant needs was conducted as well as observations at a local zoo and interviews with multiple keepers. Standards used by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), which certifies zoos around the country to ensure the highest levels of welfare and being upheld, were used as a baseline for these ideals along with findings from these other sources. Keeper involvement was determined to be imperative to good enclosure design, as well as providing dynamic viewing for guests. Signage that was at a 45° angle rather than straight up and down, preferably that triggers an emotional response was most effective. Guests, on average, spent about 13.55 minutes moving through the exhibit. Observations for this study were only made at one zoo, limiting the broader implications.