A survey of foot problems, stereotypic behaviour and floor type in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in European zoos.

The article discusses a study which aims to survey types and prevalence of foot problems and stereotypic behaviour in Asian elephants in European zoos and test hypotheses that there is an association between the occurrence of stereotypic behaviour and certain substrate types and that the presence of stereotypic behaviour increase the risk for the occurrence of foot problems. It suggests future research that focuses on how different use of sand substrates can influence presence of foot problems.