# Cognitive studies of Asian elephants > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/cognitive-studies-of-asian-elephants > Updated: 2026-09-13T11:00:25.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2. Researchers at the National Elephant Institute in Thailand have conducted studies demonstrating that Asian elephants possess high levels of inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility. In experiments involving 16 elephants, subjects were presented with transparent acrylic boxes containing fruit rewards. The elephants demonstrated the ability to resist the immediate impulse to reach through a sealed front, instead utilizing a learned detour through a side opening. When the boxes were rotated to alter the opening's position, the elephants were able to adapt their strategies to the new circumstances. Findings published in the journal PLOS One suggest these behaviors indicate complex cognitive functions such as decision-making, planning, and emotional regulation. The research also noted that older elephants exhibited slower behavioral pivots compared to younger ones, which may indicate age-related cognitive decline. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-13: Asian elephants demonstrate inhibitory control in new study New research published in PLOS One shows that Asian elephants demonstrate inhibitory control, allowing them to resist impulses and adapt their behavior to solve complex problems. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/asian-elephants-demonstrate-inhibitory-control-in-new-study ### 2026-09-09: Asian elephants demonstrate high levels of inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility Research at Thailand's National Elephant Institute shows Asian elephants possess inhibitory control, allowing them to resist impulses and adapt their problem-solving strategies when faced with new challenges. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/asian-elephants-demonstrate-inhibitory-control-and-cognitive-flexibility --- Cite as: Cognitive studies of Asian elephants. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/cognitive-studies-of-asian-elephants