[Part 1] Elephant Rehabilitation Centre | UG Architectural Thesis Dissertation

TUSKER’S TALE

an elephant rehabilitation center building for the ones without speech

An Undergraduate Architectural Thesis Jadavpur University, Dept. of Architecture

by Srija Chakraborty 001810201009 under the guidance of, Prof. Debashish Das

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Saving the life of one animal may not change the world, but the world will surely change for that one animal

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acknowledgement

First and foremost, I have to thank my research supervisor Prof.

Debashish Das. Without his assistance and dedicated involvement in every step throughout the process, this project would have never been accomplished. My thesis experience has been an amazing experience and I thank him whole-heartedly, not only for his tremendous academic support, but also for giving me so many wonderful opportunities.

My sincere thanks to Jadavpur University, Department of Architecture, for showing and guiding and showing me the paths in my life. The past five years experience has really been amazing because of all the professors, my friends and juniors who have come across in this journey.

Getting through my dissertation required more than academic support, and I have many, many people to thank for listening to and, at times, having to tolerate me. Rounak Baral, for his personal and professional support and my classmates especially Anamika, Aditya Singh, Ayanava Roy, Dipanwita Das, Shubham Shekhar, Shinjini Banerjee and Somnath Thander for inspiring me and being great companions.

Finally, and most importantly, none of this could have happened without my family. My father, Mr. Sukumar Chakraborty who has always been my inspiration and provided all the support I needed from the very beggining of my academics, My mother, Mrs. Srabani Chakraborty with her weird sense of humor never failed to calm me down and keep me going through the entire process and my grandmother. Not to forget, my brother for being my companion and support. This dissertation stands as a testament to your unconditional love and encouragement.

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contents

1.

abstract

2.

introduction

introduction project aim project aim research questions 3.

effects of captivity on wild animals

who? why?

cruelty faced by animals in zoos zoochosis

keeper - animal relationship 4.

wildlife

importance of wildlife

why do we need to protect them?

how can we help improve their lives? identifying an elephant in distress 5.

6 10 12 12 13

17 18 19 21 22

26 28 29 30

elephant rehabilitation center

why elephants?

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why India needs more elephant rehabilitation centers? 38

purpose of the project 38

elephant rehabilitation center what is it?

38 the rehabilitation process 39

physical and behavioural needs of an elephant 40 users and spaces 41

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Out there is a cry of anguish and of pain Out there, someone is suffering for someone else’s blame Out there, there is someone who’s lost all sense of hope, waiting for some kind of help without which he can’t cope.

Out there lies a semblence of a once healthy being who’ll die a slow and painful death unless he gets some seeing But out there stands a person who cares for animals, true Yes someone who can make a change, that person could be YOU! ~ Anonymous

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abstract

This dissertation investigates the design of an elephant rehabilitation center, focusing on creating a safe and sustainable environment for the care and rehabilitation of elephants. The research question addressed in this study is: how can the built environment support the physical and behavioral needs of elephants, while also providing a positive visitor experience?

The methodology used in this study included studying the behavioural pattern of various wild animals while they are in different environments. It then led to elephant psychology and various case studies on how humans can help them.

The findings of this study indicate that a successful elephant rehabilitation center requires a design that balances the physical and behavioral needs of the elephants with the visitor experience.

The center should include a variety of facilities, such as enclosures, shelters, feeding areas, veterinary facilities, and visitor amenities, that are designed to provide a safe and healthy environment for the elephants. Sustainable design strategies, such as the use of renewable energy sources and water conservation measures, should also be incorporated to minimize the environmental impact of the center.

This study contributes to the field of architecture by demonstrating how design can play a crucial role in the conservation of endangered species and the creation of sustainable built environments. The implications of this research include the potential for future architect

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and designers to apply the principles and strategies developed in this study to other wildlife rehabilitation centers and conservation projects.

Overall, this study highlights the importance of designing for the physical, behavioral, and environmental needs of animals and demonstrates how architecture can contribute to the conservation of endangered species.

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introduction can animals suffer from mental illness too?

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1.1 introduction Extensive research shows that animals are beneficial for human mental health. But what about the mental health of animals?

Tame animals can suffer mental disorders; can wild ones have them?

Or is this always something linked to humans?

Blame it on humans when animals become mentally ill. “Mental disorders are uncommon among animals in nature, such disorders would have to be due to genetic faults, but the animals probably wouldn’t survive in nature,” says Bjarne Olai Braastad, ethology professor. Interaction with humans is what can make animals go crazy.

Animals do not become mentally ill when their problems are natural for them, says an ethologist - an expert on animal behaviour.

(Photo: iPleaders)

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(Image source: iStock)

Humans aren’t exceptional or unique in suffering from psychological disorders.

As lockdowns begin to ease around the world, experts largely agree that mental health disorders spiked during our time in collective confinement. We humans are not alone, certain animals are also prey to the same situation.

Captivity suppresses the natural instincts of wild animals. Animals suffer permanent frustration because they have no freedom of choice and cannot behave as they would do in their natural environment.

This leads to a tendency toward genetic, physical and behavioral degeneration.

introduction

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1.2 project objectives

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2.

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To study the challenges faced by wild animals in captivity

To observe elephants and their various requirements for a healthy life

To propose spaces which satisfy the needs of both humans and wildlife.

1.3 project aim An initiative to change the future of captive wild animals.

This thesis investigates the architectural typology of designing a space for the co-existence of man and wildlife. A cross species design proposes a boundary that serves both the man and elephants with a built environment.

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1.4 research questions • What causes animals to develop psychological issues?

• How does captivity (zoos, circuses, taming) affect animals and their mental health?

• How can architecture instigate in building a safe, comfortable and adaptable environment for animals?

• How can animals and humans bond in a natural or man made environment?

• How can we plan such spaces with unbounded boundaries for coexistance of man and wild to serve educational and entertainment purpose without harming the animals?

Just like humans, animals too suffer from mental disorders like stress and anxiety.

(Photo: Getty Images)

introduction

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effects of captivity on wild animals “hearing out the ones without speech”

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Animals in captivity can develop mental illnesses if they are held in environments entailing problems they cannot solve.

For animals — much like humans — this mental distress can manifest as anxiety, fear or even violent behavior, depending on the severity of the condition. An animal doesn’t need to experience extreme abuse or neglect to exhibit such symptoms.

Sometimes a big change, such as moving resident or losing a loved one, can trigger a response.

Elephants really do grieve like us: They shed tears and even try to ‘bury’ their dead. A leading wildlife filmmaker reveals how the animals are like us.

(Photo: Simon Blakenry - BBC)

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2.1 who?

ANIMALS

DOMESTIC ANIMALS

animals living in and around our homes.

Dogs are reported to suffer from PTSD.

WILD ANIMALS

all wild animals held captive and some even brought up in captivity develps cognitive behaviour

animals who appear to be tamable like elephants but are just trained to act our way are exploited in circuses.

Animals of the wild do not become mentally ill.

The ones who live in our homes, in zoos or are exploited by circuses can develop mental illnesses just like humans. There are few laws that protect them from abuse. But for animals who exhibit mental illness — whether a cruelly treated elephant in captivity or a lovedbut-bored canine family member — mental strife does not have to be permanent.

effects of captivity on wild animals

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2.2 why?

A lion in captivity aggressively looking for partners.

(Photo: Simon Blakenry - BBC)

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Unavailable natural things

Searching for things that they would find in their natural environment but cannot attain because they are closed in. For instance some animals desperately want to find social partners. Other examples are carnivores that want to hunt.

2.

Compulsive Behaviour

Braastad mentions animals in zoos and caged hens that wander back and forth incessantly along a wall: “This is because they cannot escape the cage to look for food.”

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2.3 cruelty faced by animals in zoos Loss of the Big F - Freedom.

Zoos are captivity and entertainment centers where collections of wild animals are exhibited in solitary confinement, with the main aim of satisfying the curiosity of visitors. Zoos began life as amusements, and while they have evolved they still exist to make money and tap into a wealthy societal appetite for entertainment.

Keeping large mammals in zoos and aquariums damages their brains. It is very easy to observe the overall health and psychological consequences of life in captivity for these animals.

Many captive elephants suffer from arthritis, obesity or skin problems.

(Photo: iStock)

effects of captivity on wild animals

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Animal Cruelty in Zoos: • A government funded study discovered 75% of elephants were overweight and only 16% could walk normally. (Only 20% were completely without walking/leg problems.)

• Lions and tigers have about 18,000 times less space in zoos than normally in the wild, and polar bears are estimated to have less than one million times their usual space.

• Zoos in the UK found that 54% of their elephants showed signs of behavioral (mental) problems.

• In zoos, lions spend 48% of their time pacing, a commonly noted indication of a behavioral problem.

• 10% more lion cubs die in zoos than they do in the wild where most of their deaths are linked to natural factors such as predation.

(Photo: Anonymous)

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2.4 Zoochosis

(Photo: Authority of Zoo and Aquarium, 2019)

Zoochosis is a form of psychosis that develops in animals held captive in zoos. Most often, it manifests in what are called stereotypic behaviors, which are often monotonous, obsessive, repetitive actions that serve no purpose. Stated plainly, zoochosis is mental anguish made visible by abnormal behavior, and it’s a common indicator of poor welfare.

Crucially, stereotypical behaviors do not occur in the wild, but are exclusively seen in animals held captive.

Is Zoochosis a Disease?

Zoochosis is a disease that stems from outside forces, from the extreme sensory deprivation that zoos and other forms of captivity impose upon animals.

Zoochosis is a mental disorder that is largely, caused by psychological factors induced by physical captivity and sensory deprivation.

That said, many animals held captive in zoos are the product of breeding programs that result in inbreeding and loss of genetic diversity. So it is certainly possible that in some cases — though certainly not all — there is a biological component to zoochosis.

effects of captivity on wild animals

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2.5 keeper-animal relationship The Importance of keeper-animal relationships for Psychological Well-being To avoid negative interactions and poor relationships with zoo animals, keepers should be aware of and avoid fear-evoking behaviors.

Zoo animals and keepers may form mutual bonds that may reflect a psychological need for emotional rewards on both sides of the bond.

Zoo animals and keepers may form mutual bonds that may reflect a psychological need for emotional rewards on both sides of the bond. The benefits to keepers of bonding were reported to be of two sorts: • operational benefits that enabled better, easier, or more efficient management of the animals; • affective benefits that included general enjoyment of the relationship and emotional rewards.

Patience is not an elephant virtue at feeding time. A happy elephant with its keeper during feeding time, pulling for food.

(Photo: National Geographic)

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(Photos : National Geographic) effects of captivity on wild animals

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wildlife how can architecture help the extinguishing wild?

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3.1 importance of wildlife The existence of wildlife is important to humans for many reasons.

We humans cannot live a life without them. It is important for humans to recognize the value of wildlife and take steps to protect and preserve it for future generations. Some reasons why they are importance to us are :

1 - ECOLOGICAL BALANCE Wildlife plays a vital role in maintaining the balance and health of ecosystems. They help to regulate the food chain, pollinate plants, disperse seeds, and control pests.

2 - BIODIVERSITY The presence of a diverse range of wildlife is essential for maintaining biodiversity, which is important for the survival and adaptation of species in changing environmental conditions.

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3 - CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE Wildlife is an important part of many cultures and traditions. For many indigenous communities, wildlife is a source of spiritual and cultural significance.

4 - ECONOMIC BENEFITS Can provide important economic benefits, such as tourism revenue, as well as ecosystem services that support human livelihoods, such as pollination and pest control.

5 - SCIENTIFIC AND MEDICAL ADVANCEMENTS Wildlife can provide important information for scientific research and medical advancements, as many species have unique characteristics and adaptations that can be used to develop new medicines and technologies.

wildlife

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6 - CLIMATIC REGULATIONS Helps to regulate the climate by absorbing carbon and producing oxygen through photosynthesis, and by maintaining the balance of ecosystems, such as forests, which act as carbon sink.

Inspite of everything, they are facing a number of threats everyday due to us, humans and it’s high time we need to protect them.

3.2 why do we need to protect them?

Wildlife needs to be protected because it is facing numerous threats, including habitat destruction, overexploitation, climate change, and pollution. Without protection, many species and ecosystems will become endangered, leading to a loss of biodiversity and potential negative impacts on the environment and human well-being. The extinguishing wild needs our help.

Forest Officers treated wounded elephant (Photo: National Geographic)

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3.3 how can we help improve their lives?

There are several ways in which we can contribute to improving the lives of wild animals. Here are some suggestions : 1. Reduce our impact: We can reduce our impact on wildlife by minimizing our use of resources, reducing waste, and avoiding products that harm wildlife and their habitats.

2. Educate ourselves and others: We can educate ourselves and others about the importance of wildlife conservation and the impact of human activities on wildlife.

This can help to raise awareness and promote change.

3. Avoid buying products made from wildlife: We can avoid buying products made from wildlife, such as ivory, fur, and exotic pets. This reduces demand and helps to reduce illegal wildlife trade.

4. Support sustainable tourism: We can support sustainable tourism practices that minimize negative impacts on wildlife and their habitats. This can include choosing responsible tour operators and avoiding activities that harm wildlife.

5. Support conservation efforts: We can support conservation organizations that work to protect wildlife and their habitats through donations, volunteering, and advocacy.

6. Advocate for policies that protect wildlife: Bans on harmful practices like hunting and poaching.

wildlife

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3.4 identifying an elephant in distress Some people talk to animals. Not many listen though.

(Photo: esciencecommerce)

Some of the common behavioural traits of a elephant in distress are : • Stereotypic Behaviour - repetitive and monotonous motion of head bobbing, weaving and swaying. They display their discomfort by head bobbing that many people assume “grooving to the music”.

• Sunken Temples and Distinct Spines • Opacity in Eyes – The elephant is suffering from impaired vision and a major cause for this is severe malnutrition as they are deprived of fodder and fruits only to be fed dry grass and water to save cost.

• Feet Condition – Damaged feet due to walking on roads, which were designed for nothing but soil and forest.

Captivity is so “normal” in our culture. We don’t see what captivity is because we were raised and conditioned to think that a pacing, caged Tiger or circling Orca in a pool is normal. Caged wildlife have been part of human culture for hundreds of years

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wildlife

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elephant rehabilitation center building for the largest mammal on earth !

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Baby elepahnts rolling in the dust, taking a “DUST BATH“ to protect themselves from the sun and insects (Photo: National Geographic)

Designing a space for the co-existence of man and wildlife.

A cross species design proposes an Un-Common Boundary that serves both the man and elephants with a built environment.

The main objective of this design is to provide these magnificent animals with a healthy, stimulating environment with health facilities for them and in the process to create easily accessible spaces from which visitors can see and enjoy them, without captivity

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4.1 why elephants?

Elephants are the largest mammals alive on earth.

These beautiful creatures need our help and protection. Here are some facts about elephants which makes them unique : • Elephants will eat for 12-18 hours a day. They can feast up to 150kg daily.

• Elephants can create their own sun protection – Dust Baths. But it’s a behaviour they’re often prevented from doing in captivity.

• Elephants can recognize their own reflection • Elephants use their tusks as tools - often to collect food such as bark. Interestingly, elephants have a favoured tusk - similar to humans!

• Elephants have a high emotional intelligence and will forge deep and lasting relationships. They’re also known to recognise individuals they’ve met but haven’t seen in years. Herds of elephants have even been observed mourning the death of one of their own.

(Photo: iStock)

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Threats faced by wild elephants daily, in India Another reason for choosing elephants out of all the other wild animals is that they face major threats daily as they are the closest any wild animal can get to humans. Efforts to reduce exploitation and conserve wild elephant populations are essential for the survival of these magnificent animals and the preservation of India’s wildlife heritage. Some of the major threats they face daily are as follows:

1. Captured for Captive Use :

captured from the wild and sold into captivity. They are then held captive for various reasons like circus, zoo, etc. and trained for commercial puroposes. These captive elephants are ill treated from the history of captivity.

2. Habitat loss and fragmentation: Elephants need large areas of forest to roam, forage, and breed.

However, due to increasing human populations, agricultural expansion, and industrialization, their habitat is being destroyed and fragmented, leading to conflicts with humans.

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3. Poaching and illegal trade :

Elephants are poached for their ivory tusks, meat, and other body parts, which are in high demand in illegal wildlife trade markets.

4. Human-elephant conflicts: As elephant habitat is increasingly encroached upon by humans, elephants are forced to raid crops and homes, causing human casualties and retaliatory killings of elephants.

5. Infrastructure development: Large infrastructure projects such as roads, railways, and hydroelectric projects have been known to fragment elephant habitats and lead to increased human-elephant conflicts.

6. Climate change: Changes in rainfall patterns and other weather events can affect the availability of food and water for elephants, which can impact their survival.

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4.2 why india needst Rehabilitation Centers?

more

Elephant

• India has the highest population of Asian elephants in the world, with an estimated 30,000-40,000 wild elephants and over 3,000 captive elephants. This large population puts a strain on the existing resources and infrastructure for their care and management.

• elephants in India face a number of threats, including habitat loss, human-elephant conflict, and illegal capture and trade.

These issues often result in elephants being injured, orphaned, or separated from their herds, and they require specialized care and rehabilitation in order to be released back into the wild

4.3 purpose of the project The purpose of an elephant rehabilitation center is to design a functional and sustainable facility that provides optimal care and welfare for rescued, injured, or captive elephants.

4.4 elephant rehabilitation center 4.4.1 what is a elephant rehabilitation center?

An elephant rehabilitation center is a place where captive elephants are cared for and treated to improve their well-being. The goal of the center is to provide a safe and healthy environment for the elephants, with facilities for medical care, exercise, and social interaction. The center may also aim to help rehabilitate injured or sick elephants so that they can be returned to the wild if possible.

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4.4.2 the rehabilitation process 1. RESCUE an elephant held captive for a long time, developed stereotype behaviour and looks sad.

2. WELFARE the elephant rescued from the conditions to be taken to a better and safer place. Dietary requirements, sensitivity to climate and their complex social life need care.

3. VETERINARY CARE the elephant in a rehab center is given proper veterinery care after being properly cleaned and fed.

4. HERDING the elephant finds friends and oppertunities to socialise with other elephant. Helping them to get back to normal and happy life is the work of biologists and researchers to study a study and observe 5. REWILDERING the elephant is cured and happy.

The elephants rescued from the wild are taken back to a forest and the captive elephants are taken to some good mahout or taken to a place with ritual needs.

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4.2.3 physical and behavioural needs of elephants SPACE: Elephants require ample space to move, sleep, feed, and socialize. In the wild, elephants can travel up to 30 miles a day.

FOOD: Elephants require large quantities of food and water to maintain their health. They also have specific dietary requirements and require access to a variety of foods, including fresh greens, grains, and fruits.

SOCIAL INTERACTION: Elephants are social animals and require interaction with other elephants.

MENTAL STIMULATION: Elephants are intelligent animals and require mental stimulation to prevent boredom and inactivity. This can be achieved through activities such as foraging, playing, and exploring.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: Elephants need regular physical activity to maintain their health and well-being, including walking, running, and swimming.

HEALTH CARE: Elephants require regular veterinary care.

COMFORT: Elephants require a comfortable environment, including shelter from the elements, a comfortable sleeping surface, and access to clean water

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4.2.4 users and spaces The porject aims at the peaceful co-existance of its two main users - humans and elephants. They can be further subdivided as follows:

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bibliography

• • • • • • • • •

esciencecommons.blogspot.com www.boredpanda.com www.sciencefriday.com issuu.com cdni.iconscout.com iconscout.com www.gettyimages.in www.shutterstock.com img.freepik.com

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The biggest problem with animal oriented facilities is the humanisation of space. If you can achieve it, you win the game.