Social behaviour and breeding physiology of a group of Asian elephants Elephas maximus at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Sri Lanka

In 1986 at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Sri Lanka, a study of 4.4 Asian elephants Elephas maximus was carried out to establish the physical and behavioural changes associated with the ♀ oestrous cycle and the ♂ must cycle. At Pinnawala the elephants are maintained in mixed‐sex groups which has resulted in successful breeding. This paper describes the management of elephants at the orphanage and details their social and reproductive behaviour. It is suggested that successive matings throughout the oestrous cycle and on multiple cycles may be required to ensure successful breeding.