Complex PTSD In Captive Asian Elephants
This case study outlines the lifecycle of trauma in captive Asian elephants and how the continual trauma these animals experience in the tourism and work industry has impacted their overall health and welfare. The final component of the study breaks down how proper management can alleviate symptoms of c-PTSD and what captive elephant owners can do to optimize welfare.
This research should inform management practices and raise awareness about the psychological concerns that accompany using wildlife for captive close contact tourism.
Access the full document below, and don’t hesitate to reach out with any inquiries.
Abstract
Asian elephants have long been utilized and exploited for human gain; whether it be in the logging or tourism industry, elephants have been serving in captivity for centuries. On top of the physical ailments that present from a life in domination-based captivity, neuroscientists and psychologists have recently revealed the immense psychological trauma that can occur due to the convoluted brain structures that elephants have in common with humans (Hakeem et al., 2005). Through imaging and modeling of the elephant’s brain, neuroscientists have confirmed the high level of cognition, emotional expression, and sentience. This led to some preliminary studies being done looking at the incidence of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (c-PTSD) and its effects in Asian elephants. In Thailand, this issue is very prevalent due to the high number of Asian elephants in captive environments undergoing harsh training methods with early life trauma (Rizzolo and Bradshaw, 2016). However, symptoms of c-PTSD can be mitigated through proper care and management that allows elephants to express autonomy and self-determination (Rizzolo and Bradshaw, 2016). There are many facilities throughout Thailand that are committed to healing the psychological damage done to Asian elephants in captivity, one of which is reviewed in this study to conclude the progression of the disorder from the time of rescue while identifying management styles successful in alleviating symptoms.