Asian elephants demonstrate high levels of inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility

A new study conducted at the National Elephant Institute in Thailand has revealed that Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) possess high levels of inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility. Researchers, including psychologist Joshua Plotnik and postdoctoral researcher Sydney Hope, tested 16 elephants using transparent acrylic boxes containing food rewards like pineapple, apples, or bananas.

The experiments demonstrated that the elephants could resist the immediate impulse to reach directly for the food through a sealed front, instead using a learned detour through an opening on the side of the box. Furthermore, when the boxes were rotated to change the position of the opening, the elephants initially attempted their old method but were able to quickly adapt their strategy to find the new opening.

This ability to suppress habitual or impulsive responses in favor of more effective behaviors suggests complex cognitive functions, including decision-making, planning, and emotional regulation. Researchers noted that while the elephants adjusted quickly, older individuals showed slower behavioral pivots, which may indicate cognitive decline associated with age.