Successful chemical restraining and management of an Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) during musth

Abstract

This paper presents a successful chemical restraining and management of a bull Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) during musth. The elephant was anaesthetized with a combination of Xylazine and Ketamine hydrochloride @ 400 and 300 mg/kg body weight (b. wt.) respectively. The elephant was anaesthetized after 20 minutes of the drugs injection. Both the limbs of the elephant were tied with special chains to restrict his movement. The elephant was kept on constant watch and restricted his movement until musth period is over. We suggest awareness to mahouts and owners about physiological behavior of elephant to detect early signs of musth for its better management.