Solitary Elephants in Japan: The Reports

Latest Investigation

Solitary Elephants in Japan: Still Alone — A Current Assessment

Nearly a decade after the original Solitary Elephants in Japan report brought international attention to solitary elephant welfare, this investigation revisits the issue to examine what has changed—and what has not. While some elephants are better off today, many remain alone, and others have become solitary for the first time. Through nationwide field research, this report explores what this means for elephant welfare in Japan and why meaningful reform remains urgently needed. 

Solitary Elephants in Japan: Progress and Gaps (2021)

The first major update to the original investigation, reviewing the changing landscape of elephant welfare in Japan. It follows the original 14 solitary elephants, examines developments since 2017, and highlights both meaningful progress and the significant gaps that remained.

Solitary Elephants in Japan: The Original Investigation (2017)

The landmark report that first documented the lives of 14 solitary elephants living in Japanese zoos. Written by elephant biologist Dr. Keith Lindsay, it combined decades of expertise in wild elephant behavior with detailed welfare assessments and recommendations that brought international attention to the issue. It remains an important foundation for understanding how the conversation around elephant welfare in Japan began.

About the Reports

Since 2017, Elephants in Japan has documented the lives and welfare of solitary captive elephants through a series of evidence-based investigations. Together, these reports provide a unique record of how elephant welfare in Japan has evolved, where meaningful progress has been made, and where further action is still urgently needed.

Whether you are a zoo professional, policymaker, researcher, journalist, student, or animal advocate, we hope these reports serve as a valuable resource for understanding elephant welfare and supporting informed discussion, collaboration, and positive change.

All reports are free to download, read, share, and reference.