Is easily panicked by sounds or smells of predators, dogs, fire, and sometimes unfamiliar visitors. Is potentially aggressive and dangerous, even when very young. Elephant cows can be aggressive when they have calves or when they feel threatened. There is considerable individual variation in aggression, especially in young elephants in captivity without a matriarch. The more aggressive individuals may bully the other youngsters near food and watering points.
Precautions Ensure that there is sufficient protection in the event of cold, windy weather.
Ensure that the boma is so designed and sited that disturbance is kept to a minimum, particularly when young animals are settling into new accommodation. Ensure that predators, other elephants, and dogs cannot approach the boma. Electrification of a perimeter fence is recommended if this possibility exists. Ensure that staff and visitors are warned that the unsafe zone extends beyond the wall of the boma, as the elephants can easily extend their trunks through the gaps in the boma wall. Erect signs close to the boma to warn people that the animals are dangerous.