There was a small recent study done on the social behavior of Asian male groupings. Obviously behaviors will vary from one species to another and from region-to-region. But it did reflect that Asian males tend to prefer groups of others in their age group, rather than a multi-generational bachelor herd. Socialization behaviors differ in Asian and African elephants for many reasons like habitat, season, available food, etc. Males generally socialize with other males for most of the year, but do go in search of a female while they are in musth, then wander back away and find the other bachelors again. Caitlin’s book has lots of good information, but Asian elephants are just not studied as much as African elephants.

The goal would be to put them together if they are compatible, but the space is created so they can be separated, long or short-term, if needed.

Some males are perfectly calm during musth, but we can’t be sure about Tamy – and he needs to be able to go through his natural cycles in his own way. It does happen in some places and, who knows, once we know more about Tamy, if others seem interested, there is always a possibility they can spend time near each other. But for now, they will stay in their own spaces.

We do love baby elephants and are glad there are other organizations that are able to care for them. In our case, it’s just not a good choice.