「ゾウはゾウらしく」AZA改善の日々

AZA-accredited zoos across the country have evolved—as have AZA standards—when it comes to elephant care. Those 1950s-style large mammal buildings and barns that were once common have now been replaced with acres of habitat inspired by rivers and savannahs, complete with mud wallows, sandy bowls, canals, and watering holes, along with enrichment features. Concrete floors—which were once common and often led to foot injuries in elephants—have given way to sand and natural substrates. And dozens of zoos have participated in studies to share best practices in elephant wellbeing and welfare.