SERUM CONCENTRATIONS OF CATIONIC MINERALS IN FREE-RANGING ELEPHANTS (LOXODONTA-AFRICANA) IN THE KRUGER-NATIONAL-PARK

Blood samples were collected from 22 free-ranging adult African elephants (Loxodonta africana) in the Kruger National Park, Republic of South Africa, and analyzed for concentrations of serum sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper, zinc, and iron. Fourteen of the animals (males) were anesthetized at the time of sample collection; the remaining samples were obtained from male (n = 4) and female (n = 4) elephants during an annual population control program. There were no gender differences in mineral concentrations among culled elephants. Serum calcium, magnesium, copper, and sodium concentrations also were similar between anesthetized and culled animals. In contrast, serum potassium and zinc concentrations were higher and serum iron concentration was lower in culled elephants than in anesthetized animals.