The behavioral effects of exhibit size versus complexity in African elephants: a potential solution for smaller spaces

Scott, Nancy L.; LaDue, Chase A.

doi:10.1002/zoo.21506

Cited by 30Animal Behavior and Welfare StudiesPrimate Behavior and EcologyWildlife Ecology and Conservation

The behavioral effects of exhibit size versus complexity in African elephants: a potential solution for smaller spaces

Scott, Nancy L., LaDue, Chase A.·2019·Zoo Biology

DOI 10.1002/zoo.21506

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Abstract

Population-level analyses suggest that habitat complexity, but not necessarily space availability, has important welfare outcomes for elephants in human care. At the Dallas Zoo, the opening of a new exhibit complex allowed us to measure the behavior of two female African elephants across three treatments to evaluate the independent effects of complexity and space. Preoccupancy observations were conducted in the elephants' older exhibit, which consisted of a smaller, more simple yard (630 m 2 ). Subsequent postoccupancy observations measured behavior in two different spaces in the new exhibit: a larger, complex yard (15,000 m 2 ), and a smaller, but complex yard (1,520 m 2 ). The elephants' overall activity levels were greater in complex habitats, regardless of their size. Similar effects of habitat complexity oversize were observed with greater rates of foraging and lower rates of being stationary. Furthermore, elephants were out of view of visitors significantly more in the small, simple yard compared to either of the more complex habitats. However, exhibit size affected the incidence of stereotypic behavior (with lower rates of stereotypy in the larger exhibit compared to the smaller yards) and investigatory behavior (elephants investigated their environments more with increasing size and complexity). Behavioral diversity also increased with exhibit size and complexity. These results indicate that space availability alone is not sufficient to enhance the behavioral welfare…

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Space complexity has been shown to be important to the welfare of elephants in zoos.
“space complexity has indeed been shown to be important to the welfare of elephants in zoos.”
From Continuing challenges of elephant captivity: the captive environment, health issues, and welfare implications (2024) · cites this paper as Scott & LaDue, 2019
Increased exhibit complexity was sufficient to significantly improve behavioral diversity, overall activity levels, and other positive welfare behaviors, leading authors to conclude complexity should be prioritized over space.
“Scott & LaDue (2019) determined that increased exhibit complexity was sufficient to significantly improve behavioral diversity, overall activity levels, and other behaviors indicative of positive welfare, leading them to conclude that complexity should be prioritized over space”
From Continuing challenges of elephant captivity: the captive environment, health issues, and welfare implications (2024) · cites this paper as Scott & LaDue, 2019
In a study of two elephants, increased exhibit complexity (small complex and large complex spaces) increased foraging and self-maintenance and decreased time spent stationary.
“Results indicated an increase in foraging and self-maintenance and a decrease in time spent stationary in both the small and large complex spaces, underscoring the importance of space complexity.”
From Continuing challenges of elephant captivity: the captive environment, health issues, and welfare implications (2024) · cites this paper as Scott & LaDue, 2019

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Authors: Scott, N. L., & LaDue, C. A.
Affiliations: Animal Behavior Science Division Dallas Zoo Dallas Texas
George Mason University (US)
Corresponding author: Scott, Nancy L.
ORCID: Scott, Nancy L.
LaDue, Chase A.
Venue: Zoo Biology
Publisher: Wiley
Published: 2019-07-04
Volume: 38
Issue: 5
Pages: 448-457
ISSN: 0733-3188 (ISSN-L)
1098-2361
DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21506
OpenAlex: W2956107332
Cited by: 30
References: 28
Citations by year: 2026: 2 · 2025: 6 · 2024: 8 · 2023: 5 · 2022: 4 · 2021: 3 · 2020: 1
FWCI: 2.63
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Licence: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/termsAndConditions#vor (vor)
Locations: Zoo Biology (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics: Health Sciences › Veterinary › Small Animals › Animal Behavior and Welfare Studies
Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Primate Behavior and Ecology
Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Ecology › Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
Keywords: Loxodonta africana, zoo animal welfare, habitat complexity, stereotypy, behavioral diversity, foraging behavior, space availability, captive elephants
MeSH terms: Animals, Animal Welfare, Animals, Zoo, Behavior, Animal, Elephants, Housing, Animal, Humans, Social Environment

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The behavioral effects of exhibit size versus complexity in African elephants: a potential solution for smaller spaces

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