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 elepha nts (Loxodonta africana) in the Kruger National Park, Republic of Sout h Africa, and analyzed for concentrations of serum sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper, zinc, and iron. Fourteen of the animals (m ales) were anesthetized at the time of sample collection; the remainin g samples were obtained from male (n = 4) and female (n = 4) elephants during an annual population control program. There were no gender dif ferences in mineral concentrations among culled elephants. Serum calci um, magnesium, copper, and sodium concentrations also were similar bet ween anesthetized and culled animals. In contrast, serum potassium and zinc concentrations were higher and serum iron concentration was lowe r in culled elephants than in anesthetized animals.