SALIVARY CORTISOL ASSESSMENT FOR STRESS DETECTION IN THE ASIAN ELEPHANT (ELEPHAS-MAXIMUS) - A PILOT-STUDY

Effects of introducing an unfamiliar female into an Asian elephant herd at Tierpark Berlin were monitored by means of salivary cortisol assessment. Saliva samples were obtained from a second female for comparative purposes. The period of familiarization was characterized by an enhanced cortisol level in both animals, with a maximum on the second day after joining. Cortisol returned to normal on the following day. Manipulations of the keepers caused a transitory increase on two other days. Possibilities for the use of this noninvasive method of stress monitoring in various management situations are indicated.