New research shows that elephants develop successful coping mechanisms when returning to the wild from human captivity.
In fact, the team found that “rewilded” elephants can fit quite well within wildlife systems and readapt—even after long-term captivity.
For the new study, a team from the Elephant Reintegration Trust of South Africa examined the behavioral and physiological responses of 11 formerly-captive elephants which had been released onto four different reserves.
For five years each elephant was observed for three weeks at a time at least once annually.
The team looked for indicators that the elephants might be uncomfortable in their wild surroundings and for behaviors that might be “hold-overs” from their time in captivity, such as conflict or confrontation.
The findings showed that, overall, rewilded elephants behaved “very similarly” to their wild neighbors.
Fecal samples collected to test for signs of metabolic stress showed levels within the normal range for wild elephants.
“What I found most fascinating was watching elephants that had spent decades in captivity adapt so successfully to life in the wild,” said co-author Tenisha Roos.
“Seeing them respond to their environment and function much like wild elephants was truly awe-inspiring and a powerful reminder of their remarkable resilience, adaptability, and behavioral flexibility.”
The differences may reflect their previous captive experiences, social circumstances, environmental conditions, and tourism or management pressures, according to the research team.
They say their findings, published in the journal PLOS One, show that rewilded elephants behave “very similarly” to their wild counterparts, despite some consistent differences—suggesting that they have adapted well to their return to wild habitats.
The research team also noted a high degree of variability in behavior between individual rewilded elephants, but that might be related to each animal’s personality.
Each elephant likely found their own unique ways to cope with their relocation.
The 11 animals in the study represent more than 50% of the rewilded elephant population across South Africa so far.
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“While a few elephants showed slightly elevated stress biomarkers, all values remained within the normal range for wild populations, indicating successful adaptation—with no evidence of chronic stress.”
Co-author Tammy Eggeling said: “Although previously-captive elephants may carry the memories of confinement, our research has shown that, when given the opportunity, they can leave that past behind.
“They are able to learn new skills, adapt to unfamiliar environments, and ultimately thrive as wild elephants.”
Co-author Brett Mitchell added: “The data from this project show that when captive elephants are rewilded and given the opportunity, they can regain full autonomy and re-establish natural patterns of movement and behavior.
“Through this research, we are also seeing that rewilded elephants can make a meaningful contribution to the conservation of their species.”
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