Individual variation and repeatability of the behavioral response to novel objects in captive African elephants (Loxodonta africana)

Individuals differ consistently in their behavioral responses to novel situations. In zoo animals, such evidence can help to design enrichment programs to improve individual welfare, an area of increasing efforts in the zoo community. The Novel Object Test (NOV) is a standard method for measuring behavioral responses to novelty in many species but has not yet been performed in African elephants, Loxodonta africana. The present study aimed to find out whether ten African elephants from three different zoos consistently differ in their responses to a novel object (NOV response) in order to determine the reliability of the NOV to measure individual behavioral differences in this species. We conducted three NOV trials per animal in 2016 and six trials per animal in 2017 in all ten elephants and estimated consistency repeatability of the latency until first contact and the duration of the interaction with the NOV, as well as agreement repeatability of the binary response (the animal touched the NOV within 90 s or not). Our results show that the elephants differ significantly in both measures. Post hoc comparisons revealed two distinct groups: bold individuals with consistently shorter latency times and longer interaction durations, and shy individuals with consistently longer latency times and shorter interaction durations. Intermediate individuals showed greater intra-individual variation across trials. While bold and shy elephants displayed stable responses across repeated tests, intermediate elephants varied more in both measures, suggesting greater sensitivity to contextual or environmental factors. Ranking was highly consistent across years, and the binary NOV response was significantly repeatable. These results suggest that NOV responses represent stable, personality traits similar to "boldness/shyness" described in other species. In summary, the results show that NOV tests are a reliable and practical tool that could be relevant when planning enrichment measures for elephants. Bold elephants may require enrichment programs that offer frequent novelty and diverse manipulation opportunities to maintain their engagement, while shy elephants may benefit from more gradual, less frequent changes and familiar objects. Intermediate elephants may require adaptive enrichment approaches that respond to the environmental context and social environment. The inclusion of NOV tests in routine management may thus facilitate individual enrichment planning, promote exploratory behavior, and improve animal welfare.