The cost of an elephant varies greatly, depending on factors such as location and the facility to care for the animal. An African elephant costs around $30,000, while Asian elephants are more expensive, costing up to $50,000.
Purchase Price of Elephants
- A baby elephant can cost $100,000.
- A purebred baby elephant may be worth $1 million.
- African babies are more expensive than Asian because there are fewer African elephants and they are endangered.
Annual Maintenance and Eco-Tourism Value
It costs $10,000-$30,000 per year to keep an elephant. Food is the biggest cost, with an adult eating 150-600 pounds daily, totaling $70,000 yearly for one elephant. Enclosures should be strong, spacious, and climate controlled to prevent escape and foot issues. Once moved, a vet should monitor the elephant’s adjustment.
- In 2015, Swaziland sold 18 elephants for $133,000 to three zoos.
The value of a living elephant is over $1.6 million in eco-tourism revenue. In comparison, poachers sell elephant tusks for $30,000-$40,000. Additionally, whales contribute carbon uptake worth $2 million over their lifetime, which is more than their value to poachers for meat.
Can you get a pet elephant?
Getting a pet elephant is a complex and costly endeavor. Beyond the initial purchase price, the yearly maintenance and ethical considerations are significant.
How much does it cost to feed an elephant for a day?
Feeding an elephant for a day is a substantial expense due to their large diet, contributing to the overall cost of maintenance.