Sustaining the population of Asian and African savanna elephants in Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited zoos faces challenges, according to a paper from researchers and curators at the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden and Denver Zoo.

The new paper, published in the journal Zoo Biology, includes a survey of 34 AZA facilities with adult male elephants to understand how they manage musth, socialization, and semen collection. There are currently 55 AZA facilities in North America with elephants.

Asian and African savanna elephants are endangered species, so it’s important to maintain genetically viable populations in human care for research, education, and conservation, said OKC Zoo Conservation Scientist, Dr. Chase LaDue, lead author on the paper.

“Historically, zoos would preferentially house only female elephants,” he said.

But field research in Africa and Asia has shown that male elephants are more social than previously thought, and that is changing the way they’re cared for in zoos, LaDue added.

“One of the more progressive things we do at the OKC Zoo is socialize our male elephants on an almost daily basis,” he said. “Years ago, it would be unheard of to have males spending time with females like we do now.”

Much is still unknown about male elephants, including what triggers musth—a regularly occurring condition in male elephants during which their bodies make up to ten times more testosterone than usual. The period can last several months and is characterized by aggressive and unpredictable behavior and an increased interest in female elephants.

The survey shows most zoos prioritize breeding and socialization in male elephants, but may struggle with musth management and semen collection. While many zoos attempt to train their elephants for voluntary semen collection using positive reinforcement, it’s difficult to ensure reliable samples, which can make reproduction using artificial insemination challenging. 

“Semen collection is important for the long-term viability of our elephant populations within AZA facilities because it allows for reproduction to occur without the physical transfer of elephants between facilities,” LaDue said. “While we do our best to ensure that transfers are minimally disruptive, these transfers are time and labor intensive.”

Relatively few elephants are trained to provide semen and the paper indicates it’s largely due to a lack of expertise and resources in our community.

LaDue said he hopes the paper helps animal caretakers and scientists by highlighting specific areas where more research and development could improve male elephant wellbeing and ensure sustainable populations of AZA housed elephants in the future.

The OKC Zoo participates in the AZA’s Species Survival Plan (SSP) program for Asian elephants, including breeding recommendations. One of the Asian elephants born at the Zoo, Achara (9), is pregnant and expected to give birth to her first calf in July 2025. The Zoo’s youngest bull elephant, Bowie, (pronounced Boo-ee, 10) is the father-to-be.

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