Concept-based imitation training in an Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) using the do-as-I-do paradigm

Imitation is a complex form of social learning that plays a critical role in cultural transmission and cognitive development across taxa; however, its expression in elephants remains poorly understood. This study investigated whether an Asian elephant ( Elephas maximus ) could acquire and generalise the concept of imitation using the Do-As-I-Do paradigm. Two male Asian elephants were trained concurrently, with one individual serving as a demonstrator and the other as the imitator. Over the course of 56 training sessions the imitator elephant demonstrated significant accuracy in reproducing three familiar behaviours in Phase 1. In Phase 2, the elephant successfully generalized the “imitate” cue to seven behaviours. Phase 3 tested the imitative flexibility of the elephant by introducing behaviour combinations, with the subject correctly reproducing complex, combined actions in several trials. Statistical analyses confirmed that all behaviours, including novel combinations, were performed significantly above chance. These results provide evidence for the capacity for this elephant to engage in intransitive imitation and suggest that these elephants possess a flexible cognitive process that supports social learning and cultural transmission.