Preliminary observations on the training of Burmese elephants using xylazine

A traditional elephant training method was chosen to be modified by the use of xylazine as a sedative and muscle relaxant. Three elephant calves with different degrees of tameness were trained using xylazine. The drug was helpful in the training process. Xylazine made restraint of the elephants much easier and safer. During training, repeated doses of xylazine were used to prevent beatings, the wounds worsening and to pacify the elephants. The tamest elephant calf was punished less and took less time to be trained than the others. It is important to play with elephant calves to win their acceptance of man. A tame calf still needs training to learn about fettering, walking, sitting, etc. Elephants need to be considered man`s working companions, and deserve sympathy and humane treatment.