Differences Between Australian and Indian Views of Elephants in Zoos

The cultural view of elephants is vastly different in India, where elephants are indigenous and play a role in various religions and traditions, and Australia, where elephants are not native and not culturally significant as such. This survey of the public in both countries finds that Australians see zoo elephant exhibits as scientifically important, while Indians find elephants in zoos to be more significant culturally and historically. Though the article does not question the captivity of elephants, the results could be instructive for advocates in those countries who wish to redefine how the public view captive elephants.