Experiences of Restraining Elephants in 'Musth'

Abstract

'Musth' has implications for maintenance in captive elephants as management of these animals is quite cumbersome and involves considerable risk. The present study highlights successful restraint of elephants in musth on three different occasions employing sedative/ analgesics. Effective levels of standing sedation could be achieved using xylazine hydrochloride and ketamine hydrochloride at a dose rate of 0.13 mg/kg and 0.04 mg/kg body weight respectively for immediate restraint. The subsequent actions following sedation till complete recovery from musth events are documented.