What sort of life should an elephant have?

Elephants are extremely intelligent and highly social creatures who traditionally live in large family herds. But their traditional natural world isn't perfect. In the wild, they face many dangers, including from humans. An elephant living in a zoo has a very different life, a much safer one. But they must live a life controlled by humans and cope without the support of their social herd. So, are zoos a good place for elephants? Would a 'wild' life necessarily be a longer, safer or better life? And, how do we even know what counts as a 'good life' if you are an elephant?

This season is a special collaboration between the ABC Audio Studios and WNYC Studios in New York City.

Hosts: Carl Smith and Shumita Basu

Series Producer: Kyla Slaven

Executive Producers: Emily Botein and Ian Walker

Producer: Amy Pearl

Sound Engineers: Isaac Jones, Hamish Camilleri, Jolen Camilleri

Production Support: Sarah Sandbach and Brigit Berger