"Artificial Insemination Methods in Captive Breeding of African Elephants"

This thesis explores how artificial insemination (AI) can support reproduction in captive African elephants, while also showing that success depends on much more than just the procedure itself. Reproduction is influenced by many day-to-day factors like social bonds, mental stimulation, diet, and medical preparation, that are often difficult to recreate in zoos. The anatomy, hormone cycles, and natural behaviour of elephants are described in the first few chapters. In order to identify the safest and most efficient options, the study compares insemination and monitoring methods. For regular cycle monitoring, fecal hormone testing is a highly recommended non-invasive, dependable, and useful method. Endoscopic AI is thought to be the most appropriate insemination technique. If done by trained personnel, it is minimally invasive, possible without complete sedation, and compatible with the anatomy of the elephant. However, if the conditions are not right, even the best technique will not work. Many females in captivity don't cycle on a regular schedule. Stress, a lack of enrichment, restricted space, and a lack of interaction with bulls or older elephants to observe mating behaviour can all contribute to this issue. These problems were evident in the case study of the Warsaw Zoo. Both exhibited stressed behaviour, one female developed reproductive polyps, and the herd was mismatched. The AI failed in the absence of a stress-free environment and adequate training infrastructure. Consequently, there were no pregnancies. The findings show that successful reproduction in elephants, natural or assisted, requires the right environment first. That includes larger and better-equipped indoor and outdoor spaces (especially in colder climates), strong social herds, access to daily enrichment, and trained staff who can carry out calm medical preparation. Only once these conditions are met can advanced reproductive tools like AI be used ethically and effectively.