The Asian elephant Elephas maximus is distributed in 13 countries across South Asia and South East Asia spread over an area of 486 800 km² with a population of c. 48 323–51 680 in the wild and c. 15 000 in captivity. The major threats to the species are habitat shrinkage and fragmentation, human–elephant conflict, poaching and illegal trade of elephant body parts. Apart from ivory, the trade of other body parts, especially the skin trade, has increased in last few years, which could result in indiscriminate killing of elephants of both sexes. Human–elephant conflict is also a major threat and needs to be managed urgently to prevent retaliations. The welfare and care of elephants in captivity in the region, and the training processes used with them, are major concerns. Some form of uniform registration for captive elephants would prevent illegal trade of individuals. (Photo: Sandeep Kr. Tiwari, Wildlife Trust of India)

To investigate zoo collection planning from a global perspective, we analysed the taxonomic composition of collections in the International Zoo Yearbook’s list of ‘Zoos and Aquariums of the World’ from 1960 until 2018. Analyses revealed that of all taxa, bird species were the best represented in terms of species, making up 31·37% of the average collection. However, amphibians made up only 2·78% of the average zoo species. Temporal analysis revealed a significant decrease in the proportion of bird species housed in collections (P < 0·001), while a significant increase was observed for fish (P = 0·001) and invertebrates (P < 0·001). Additionally, the average number of species housed in each collection has decreased by almost a third, from 329 spp in 1960 to 225 spp in 2018. This study suggests that zoos have reduced the diversity of animals that they keep, possibly in pursuit of sustainable populations of fewer species. (Photo: James Brereton, University Centre Sparsholt)

Bull elephants socialize with conspecifics of all ages and both sexes; and young bulls develop social bonds with other elephants that will be sustained throughout their lives. However, it is complex and challenging in zoos to build facilities and manage groups of elephants in ways that allow fission–fusion herd dynamics and give the elephants choice over their environment. To advance the development of best-practice management for zoo elephants it is necessary to improve our understanding of the social and behavioural needs of bull elephants, and implement innovative solutions to their care. This paper considers the social behaviour of bull elephants, contributes novel preliminary data about how these issues are addressed and proposes some new approaches to the management of bull elephants in zoos. (Photo: Lisa Yon, University of Nottingham)

African elephants Loxodonta africana and Asian elephants Elephas maximus are not thriving in many captive settings and are threatened throughout their native ranges. Many zoos support in situ conservation projects and provide opportunities to conduct ex situ research with approachable animals. Human–elephant interactions and ecosystems vary regionally, necessitating different elephant population-management approaches, and, for this reason, research goals may at times appear diametrically opposed. Much has been learned about the basic biology and husbandry needs of elephants but the more we learn, the more questions arise. There are physiological differences between African and Asian elephants, and this should affect the management of these animals. This paper will provide brief overviews of the current state of knowledge regarding the pharmacology, nutrition, reproduction, sensory biology and diseases (primarily elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus infections) relevant to elephants with recommendations for future work. (Photo: ‘Anna’, an African elephant, at The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, USA, participating in a pharmacokinetic study. Ursula Bechert, University of Pennsylvania)

This article outlines the contemporary situation of the Bornean elephant Elephas maximus borneensis in Sabah (Malaysian Borneo), and focuses on the existing challenges that need to be addressed to enable people and elephants to coexist, particularly in man-made landscapes dominated by oil-palm plantations. The rapid pace of plantation expansion has resulted in the loss of the majority of lowland areas that are also needed by large mammal species to sustain breeding populations. Furthermore, the land-use planning system favoured by the government insufficiently incorporates the ecological and management needs for elephant across the entire landscape. This article highlights the need for better collaboration and coordination between stakeholders to address the increasing rate of human–elephant conflicts in Sabah. (Photo: pitfall trap. Courtesy of WWF-Malaysia)

This review of the Asian Elephant Elephas maximus European Association of Zoos and Aquaria Ex situ Programme (EEP) describes how the developments made in husbandry and gained knowledge about reproductive biology have contributed to increased breeding success. The Asian elephant EEP population shows healthy numbers and genetic diversity. However, this EEP has challenges, such as the presence of subspecies and a lack of space for males. A strict reproduction schedule is suggested, whereby females conceive for the first time at 8 years and an interbirth interval of 7 years is maintained. This should decrease the reproductive rate without compromising the demographic health or the future reproductive potential of the population. In the long term, improving facilities that allow for a fission–fusion housing strategy may make it possible to provide appropriate accommodation for the increasing number of males. (Photo: Kasper Willebrandts, Royal Rotterdam Zoological & Botanical Gardens)

Otters are particularly sensitive to urbanization as it increases their risk of being persecuted and threatens the key requirements essential for their survival. However, in Singapore, the Smooth-coated otter Lutrogale perspicillata has made a tremendous rebound after an absence of three decades. The species is now widely distributed across the river systems and reservoirs, and can even be found in the highly urban city centre. This return of the Smooth-coated otters to Singapore was so successful that it was touted by many as a conservation success and role model for otters in the city. The lessons learned include the importance of laws, social factors and public–private partnerships in facilitating the return of a top carnivore to a city. (Photo: Max D. Y. Khoo, National Parks Board, Singapore)

Wild populations of the Endangered Red panda Ailurus fulgens have declined by 50% over the last three generations because of habitat loss and fragmentation, hunting and poaching. In 1979 an international studbook was established for the species to monitor the demographically small and unstable population in human care. In 1985 a European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) was initiated and from then onwards the Red panda population started to grow because of the improved breeding techniques utilized. The EEP developed in stages over four decades, from a small population of Red pandas with low breeding success and high mortality, to a popular breeding programme with high breeding success and direct links to in situ conservation. However, mean kinship and genetic diversity, climate change and its effects on juvenile mortality, and the welfare of individuals housed in long-term bachelor groups all need to be studied further. (Photo: Sonam Tashi Lama, Red Panda Network)

Otters are particularly sensitive to urbanization as it increases their risk of being persecuted and threatens the key requirements essential for their survival. However, in Singapore, the Smooth-coated otter Lutrogale perspicillata has made a tremendous rebound after an absence of three decades. The species is now widely distributed across the river systems and reservoirs, and can even be found in the highly urban city centre. This return of the Smooth-coated otters to Singapore was so successful that it was touted by many as a conservation success and role model for otters in the city. The lessons learned include the importance of laws, social factors and public–private partnerships in facilitating the return of a top carnivore to a city. (Photo: Max D. Y. Khoo, National Parks Board, Singapore)

This review of the Asian Elephant Elephas maximus European Association of Zoos and Aquaria Ex situ Programme (EEP) describes how the developments made in husbandry and gained knowledge about reproductive biology have contributed to increased breeding success. The Asian elephant EEP population shows healthy numbers and genetic diversity. However, this EEP has challenges, such as the presence of subspecies and a lack of space for males. A strict reproduction schedule is suggested, whereby females conceive for the first time at 8 years and an interbirth interval of 7 years is maintained. This should decrease the reproductive rate without compromising the demographic health or the future reproductive potential of the population. In the long term, improving facilities that allow for a fission–fusion housing strategy may make it possible to provide appropriate accommodation for the increasing number of males. (Photo: Kasper Willebrandts, Royal Rotterdam Zoological & Botanical Gardens)

The Asian elephant Elephas maximus is distributed in 13 countries across South Asia and South East Asia spread over an area of 486 800 km² with a population of c. 48 323–51 680 in the wild and c. 15 000 in captivity. The major threats to the species are habitat shrinkage and fragmentation, human–elephant conflict, poaching and illegal trade of elephant body parts. Apart from ivory, the trade of other body parts, especially the skin trade, has increased in last few years, which could result in indiscriminate killing of elephants of both sexes. Human–elephant conflict is also a major threat and needs to be managed urgently to prevent retaliations. The welfare and care of elephants in captivity in the region, and the training processes used with them, are major concerns. Some form of uniform registration for captive elephants would prevent illegal trade of individuals. (Photo: Sandeep Kr. Tiwari, Wildlife Trust of India)

To investigate zoo collection planning from a global perspective, we analysed the taxonomic composition of collections in the International Zoo Yearbook’s list of ‘Zoos and Aquariums of the World’ from 1960 until 2018. Analyses revealed that of all taxa, bird species were the best represented in terms of species, making up 31·37% of the average collection. However, amphibians made up only 2·78% of the average zoo species. Temporal analysis revealed a significant decrease in the proportion of bird species housed in collections (P < 0·001), while a significant increase was observed for fish (P = 0·001) and invertebrates (P < 0·001). Additionally, the average number of species housed in each collection has decreased by almost a third, from 329 spp in 1960 to 225 spp in 2018. This study suggests that zoos have reduced the diversity of animals that they keep, possibly in pursuit of sustainable populations of fewer species. (Photo: James Brereton, University Centre Sparsholt)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the presence of visitors on the behavioural repertoire of three Asian small-clawed otters Aonyx cinereus at Cattolica Aquarium, Italy. Observational data sampling took place over two periods of 11 days each; the first in August when visitors were present, and the second between September and October when the Aquarium was closed to visitors. Focal sampling was integrated with behaviour sampling during data collection. The results showed that the absence of visitors stimulated significant differences in frequency and duration of activity (such as ‘locomotion’ and ‘waiting’) and social behaviours (such as ‘play’). The otters also spent significantly more time visible than ‘out of sight’ when there were no visitors. This preliminary research provides information that may influence the way zoos and aquatic parks manage their otters, and contributes to the improvement of the welfare of wild animals in human care. (Photo: Stefano Gridelli, Cattolica Aquarium)

The Endangered Owston’s civet Chrotogale owstoni is restricted to Vietnam, Lao PDR and southern China, and is a global priority for carnivore conservation. In April 2019, 57 stakeholders, including civil society organizations, zoos from Europe and the region, representatives of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Species Survival Commission (SSC) and the Vietnamese government, gathered in Hanoi, Vietnam, to identify what priority in situ and ex situ actions are needed to avert the extinction of Owston’s civet. The result was the development of a 10 year conservation strategy for this species, part of which includes establishing a conservation-breeding programme. This short report summarizes some of the outputs from the conservation-planning workshop, and how zoos and other facilities can support the recovery of Owston’s civet in Indochina. (Photo: Cuc Phuong National Park, Save Vietnam’s Wildlife, Robert Marc Lehmann)

African elephants Loxodonta africana and Asian elephants Elephas maximus are not thriving in many captive settings and are threatened throughout their native ranges. Many zoos support in situ conservation projects and provide opportunities to conduct ex situ research with approachable animals. Human–elephant interactions and ecosystems vary regionally, necessitating different elephant population-management approaches, and, for this reason, research goals may at times appear diametrically opposed. Much has been learned about the basic biology and husbandry needs of elephants but the more we learn, the more questions arise. There are physiological differences between African and Asian elephants, and this should affect the management of these animals. This paper will provide brief overviews of the current state of knowledge regarding the pharmacology, nutrition, reproduction, sensory biology and diseases (primarily elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus infections) relevant to elephants with recommendations for future work. (Photo: ‘Anna’, an African elephant, at The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, USA, participating in a pharmacokinetic study. Ursula Bechert, University of Pennsylvania)