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Elephants in Zoos at Risk of Abnormal Behaviour Because of Small Groups

Elephants in zoos are at risk of depression, according to a new study that found captive animals are unhappy kept alone or in small groups.

most elephants in zoos are kept in groups of four or smaller.

Scientists say this is unnatural for the herd animals.

"In the wild, elephant social structure is complex and, although the average group size is around 12, they can also live in even larger extended family units. Contact with members of their own species is crucial for the animals to develop normal behaviour patterns and friendships," he said.

"Small group sizes in zoos may prevent this from happening. There is no good reason for a zoo to keep just one elephant."

Weighing up to six tonnes, elephants are the largest land mammals. They are highly intelligent and can live up to 70 years, although their numbers are dropping due to poaching and the destruction of their habitat.