Fecal glucocorticoid metabolite and T3 profiles of orphaned elephants differ from non-orphaned elephants in Zambia
Together, these results provide insight into possible physiological responses underlying ELAEs and/or living under human care, including alterations in fGCM and fT3 concentrations, particularly in younger orphans. While these hormonal changes suggest a physiological response to trauma, the support of social bonds and acclimation to human care may mitigate long-term stress effects, highlighting the critical role of social integration in elephant rehabilitation and conservation efforts.
Authors
- Nicole Boisseau
- Janine L. Brown (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3898-7755)
- Tessa Steiniche (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4098-7439)
- Steve Paris (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9971-5342)
- Steven N. Austad (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4798-8442)
- Michael D. Wasserman (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1611-024X)
- David B. Allison (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3566-9399)
- Daniella E. Chusyd (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9867-944X)
- Lisa Olivier (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4896-4717)
- Stephanie Dickinson (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2998-4467)
- Bailey K. Ortyl (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7936-0698)
- Webster Mwaanga
- Moses Kasongo
Institutions
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (US)
- University of Alabama at Birmingham (US)
- National Zoological Park (US)
- Indiana University Bloomington (US)
- Conservation Biology Institute
Publication Details
- Journal
- PeerJ
- Published
- 2025-04-04
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19122
- Citations
- 2
- Primary Topic
- Stress Responses and Cortisol
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 2.23
Funders
- Morris Animal Foundation
- Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute
- National Institutes of Health
- National Institute on Aging