The first elephant ever brought to Sweden was 1804, when a 10 year old Asian bull, owned by Mr. Jean Baptiste Gautier, toured on circus 1804-1806. Mr. Gauthier was forefather to Diana Rhodin and Mr. Axel Gauthier, late elephant trainer in USA.

Another elephant was kept on a permanent menagerie in Stockholm, Stockholm Tivoli. Menageries was prohibited by the king, in 30 oktober 1916.

Elephants has been held in Zoos since 1930. (Topsy and later Lunkentuss, Skansen Zoo)



Today, only two zoological gardens and one circus keep elephants: In Kolm�rden Zoo on the eastcoast, 150 km south of Stockholm, and Bor�s Zoo on the westcost, 100 km northeast from Gothenburg.


Elephants were previously kept at Skansen Zoo in Stockholm (4), Parken Zoo in Eskilstuna (5), and Furuviksparken, near G�vle (6), and also several circuses, the last one touring had elephants at the winterquarters in Malmoe.




The (1989) regulations from the ministry of agriculture,regarding keeping of elephants are:
Stable: Minimum 200 m2, and not less than 50 m2 per animal.Enclosure: Min. 2 000 m2, and with additional enclosure to separate individuals. Rubbing post, or similar, to enable skin care. Bathing pool, or likewise.