Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The welfare of captive elephants has become a topic of increasing concern in recent years, with a growing emphasis on the importance of providing appropriate environmental enrichment to ensure their physical and psychological well-being. This thesis aims to assess the impact of environmental enrichment on the behavior and welfare of captive elephants. The study focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of different enrichment techniques in enhancing the overall welfare of elephants in captivity. Chapter One provides an introduction to the research topic, outlining the background of the study, problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, and structure of the thesis. The definitions of key terms related to the study are also presented to provide clarity and understanding. Chapter Two consists of a comprehensive literature review that delves into various studies and research findings related to environmental enrichment for captive elephants. The review covers a range of topics such as the importance of environmental enrichment, different types of enrichment strategies, and the impact of enrichment on elephant behavior and welfare. Chapter Three details the research methodology employed in the study, including the research design, sampling methods, data collection techniques, and data analysis procedures. The chapter also discusses ethical considerations and limitations that may have influenced the research process. Chapter Four presents an in-depth discussion of the research findings, analyzing the data collected from the study and interpreting the results in relation to the research objectives. The chapter explores the effects of different environmental enrichment methods on the behavior and welfare of captive elephants, highlighting key findings and implications for elephant management practices. Chapter Five concludes the thesis by summarizing the key findings of the study and discussing their significance in the context of elephant welfare. The chapter also offers recommendations for future research and practical implications for enhancing the well-being of captive elephants through effective environmental enrichment strategies. Overall, this thesis contributes to the existing body of knowledge on the welfare of captive elephants by providing valuable insights into the impact of environmental enrichment on their behavior and well-being. The findings of this study have important implications for elephant management practices and underscore the importance of implementing appropriate enrichment strategies to promote the welfare of elephants in captivity. Keywords Captive elephants, environmental enrichment, welfare, behavior, captivity, animal welfare.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Assessing the Impact of Environmental Enrichment on the Behavior and Welfare of Captive Elephants" focuses on investigating how environmental enrichment strategies influence the behavior and welfare of elephants held in captivity. With a growing awareness of the importance of animal welfare in captivity, this research aims to contribute valuable insights into enhancing the well-being of elephants through environmental enrichment practices. Elephants are highly intelligent and social animals with complex behavioral needs. In captivity, they may face challenges related to limited space, social interactions, and environmental stimuli, which can impact their physical and psychological health. Environmental enrichment involves providing captive animals with stimuli that encourage natural behaviors, mental stimulation, and physical activity to enhance their overall well-being. This study will explore various environmental enrichment strategies implemented in captive elephant facilities, such as the provision of novel objects, social interactions, foraging opportunities, and habitat enhancements. By assessing the impact of these enrichment activities on elephant behavior and welfare indicators, such as stereotypic behaviors, social interactions, activity levels, and stress responses, this research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of different enrichment approaches. Through a combination of behavioral observations, welfare assessments, and physiological measurements, this study seeks to provide a comprehensive analysis of how environmental enrichment influences the behavior and welfare of captive elephants. The findings of this research have the potential to inform best practices in elephant management and contribute to the development of evidence-based guidelines for promoting the welfare of elephants in captivity. Overall, this project underscores the importance of environmental enrichment as a key component of ensuring the well-being of captive elephants. By investigating the impact of enrichment strategies on elephant behavior and welfare, this research aims to advance our understanding of how to optimize the living conditions of elephants in captivity and promote their physical and psychological health."