Emotion estimation using a wearable heart rate monitoring device in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) during veterinary clinical procedures

Abstract

Fatal accidents in captive elephants occasionally occur because humans are unable to gauge elephants' emotions solely by their behavior. The intellectual capacity of elephants makes them capable of understanding circumstantial changes and associated emotions, allowing them to react accordingly. Physiological markers, such as heart rate variability, may be effective in determining an elephant's emotional state. In this study, a wearable heart rate monitor was used to determine the emotional state of a female Indian captive elephant (Elephas maximus indicus). The average heart rate was higher when the elephant underwent painful treatment than when it underwent non-painful treatment. In addition, the heart rate increased both before and after the treatment, which included radiography and blood collection.