Professional Elephant Care & Welfare Services

At Elephant Care Unchained, we believe every elephant deserves exceptional care, regardless of a facility's budget. Through the generous support of our donors, we're able to bring world-class elephant expertise directly to the organizations that need it most.

It all started when…

Steve Koyle founded Elephant Care Unchained in 2016, recognizing a critical gap in the elephant care industry. Facilities housing elephants—from rural temples to urban zoos—often struggled not from lack of compassion, but from limited access to modern husbandry techniques and specialized knowledge. The traditional fee-for-service consulting model meant that the facilities most in need of help were often the least able to afford it.

Our solution is revolutionary yet simple: we provide the same caliber of professional services that premium facilities pay thousands for, but we do it for free. This isn't charity—it's strategic intervention designed to create lasting change in elephant welfare standards across Asia.

Core Service Areas

Core Service Areas

Behavioral Management & Positive Reinforcement Training
The cornerstone of modern elephant management lies in building trust-based relationships between elephants and their caregivers. Our behavioral management program transforms traditional dominance-based handling into cooperative partnerships that benefit both species.

Steve and his team work directly with your mahouts and keepers to implement target training protocols that have proven successful across diverse cultural contexts. We don't simply impose Western methodologies; instead, we adapt evidence-based techniques to honor local traditions while elevating care standards.
Specialized Veterinary Support & Foot Care Excellence
Elephant foot pathology remains the leading cause of premature death in captive elephants, yet most facilities lack access to specialized podiatry expertise. Steve Koyle's globally recognized proficiency in elephant foot care has literally saved lives across 8 countries.

Our veterinary support services encompass comprehensive health assessments, preventive care protocol development, and hands-on treatment. We train staff to recognize early warning signs and maintain sustainable care practices.
Facility Optimization & Environmental Enrichment
Physical infrastructure profoundly impacts elephant welfare. Our consultation evaluates your setup through the lens of elephant biology and behavior to recommend practical, welfare-driven modifications.

We've helped facilities transform barren enclosures into enriching environments using local materials. From substrate upgrades to enrichment design, we offer solutions grounded in both science and cultural sensitivity.

Beginning Your Journey

If your facility houses elephants and seeks to elevate their care, we invite you to reach out. There's no complicated application process, no financial requirements, and no judgment about current practices. Simply contact us with basic information about your facility, your elephants, and your challenges. We'll work together to determine how our expertise can best serve your needs.

For donors interested in enabling this work, we welcome conversations about how your support can expand our reach. Whether you're an individual moved by elephant welfare or a corporation seeking meaningful impact, we'll show you exactly how your contribution translates into transformed lives.

 

"In 20 years of working with elephants, I've learned that expertise means nothing if it doesn't reach those who need it most. By removing cost as a barrier, we're not just changing individual elephants' lives—we're transforming an entire industry's approach to welfare."
 — Steve Koyle, Founder & CEO

 

Steve Koyle  |  Founder  |  @elephantcareunchained