In fact, the team found that “rewilded” elephants can fit quite well within wildlife systems and readapt—even after long-term captivity. Fecal samples collected to test for signs of metabolic stress showed levels within the normal range for wild elephants. The 11 animals in the study represent more than 50% of the rewilded elephant population across South Africa so far. “They are able to learn new skills, adapt to unfamiliar environments, and ultimately thrive as wild elephants.” “Through this research, we are also seeing that rewilded elephants can make a meaningful contribution to the conservation of their species.”