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Article History

Received: 13 May 2025

Accepted: 17 September 2025

First Online: 26 September 2025

Declarations

:

: This study adhered to the EAZA Code of Ethics and advice on the husbandry of zoo and wildlifespecies in captivity and was approved by the EAZA Taxon Advisory Group (TAG) for Elephants. Informed consent was obtained from the zoos for the participation of their animals in this study. Furthermore, the supervising governmental agency was consulted via the supervising animal care officer regarding the need for formal review. The agency refrained from requesting review of this research project, as the welfare of the animals was not compromised by the treatments (novel objects), the method was non-invasive, and these procedures were carried out as part of routine animal care. Consequently, no further ethical approval from the authorities was required for the study. The novel objects were used as part of normal zoo management of elephants and replaced training that would otherwise have taken place. Thus, the study did not increase the potential stress for the animals.

: The authors declare no competing interests.