Study finds released elephants in South Africa adapt to wild behavior

A study published on July 29, 2026, in the journal PLOS One, details how 11 formerly captive elephants released into South African reserves have adapted to life in the wild. Over the course of five years, researchers tracked the group across four fenced reserves, finding that their behavior closely mirrored that of elephants born in the wild. Led by Tenisha Roos and Tamara Eggeling from the Elephant Reintegration Trust of South Africa, alongside researcher Brett Mitchell and their team, the project suggests that elephants can successfully return to a natural lifestyle even after years in captivity.

The group, which included adult males, adult females, and younger females, made up more than half of the entire rewilded elephant population in South Africa at the time. To monitor their progress, researchers conducted three-week observation periods at least once a year for five consecutive years. They tracked behavioral indicators like aggression and stress while also collecting dung samples. These samples allowed the team to analyze fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (fGCMs), a type of stress hormone, providing a clear picture of the animals' well-being without the need for direct handling.

The results showed that the rewilded elephants acted much like their wild counterparts. While individual responses varied, the elephants generally displayed normal behaviors and maintained hormone levels within healthy ranges. The researchers did note that adult males and younger females showed slight differences in alertness compared to wild elephants, but these variations did not suggest chronic stress or trauma. The study also pointed to the influence of individual personalities, noting that some elephants appeared naturally more adept at adjusting to their new surroundings than others.

These findings carry implications for the 88 captive elephants currently living in various South African facilities, where they are primarily kept for tourism. Such environments often present challenges to their psychological and social health. The success of this rewilding effort indicates that with sufficient time and support, these animals can reclaim their independence and reintegrate into natural ecosystems. It is a result that may help shape future rewilding initiatives on a global scale.