Development of sustainable captive populations of Asian Elephants is a key challenge of for zoos around the world. Development of assisted reproduction approaches is likely to play a key role in the success of captive management programs for this species. Recent successes with artificial insemination coupled with advances in sperm sorting, ultrasound and endocrine methodology, offer optimism for improving reproductive success in captive elephants.

This project seeks to implement these newer technologies to monitor aspects of elephant reproduction within Zoos Victoria's captive elephants. Undertaking routine endocrine monitoring will establish the reproductive status of all individuals, and the cycling of mature females. Periodic ultrasound monitoring will document both the physical development of the reproductive tract and ensure routine reproductive health checks are maintained. As a management approach to optimise the growth, development and reproductive health of Zoos Victoria's three new females, their diet will be reviewed, including analyses of hay and browse. Semen samples will be collected periodically from our male elephant fopr the purpose of collaborative research into the application of sperm sepratation technology. Sperm sorting may then be applied in artificial insemination of the species with the objective of producing offspring of pre-determined gender.

Female reproductive-tract pathologies, husbandry procedures that investigate the role of nutrition and exercise for delaying the onset of puberty in immature female elephants will be implemented. These approaches combined offer a basis for (1) achieving successful elephant reproduction in Zoos Victoria and (2) a basis to the sustainable captive management of the Australian population.