Welcome.

I’m Chase LaDue, an applied ecologist passionate about understanding and conserving elephants and other large mammals. My work sits at the crossroads of animal behavior, physiology, and conservation, with a focus on finding science-based solutions that make a real difference for both animals and people.

I take an integrative approach—connecting insights from research in the wild with lessons learned in zoos—to develop strategies that support animal wellbeing and promote coexistence. Whether I’m studying the dynamics of elephant musth, exploring how tourism shapes wildlife behavior, or working with communities facing human–elephant conflict, my goal is always the same: to translate science into practical, sustainable action.

Currently, I serve as Conservation Scientist at the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, where I help bridge field and zoo research to improve care, management, and conservation outcomes.

In my position at the Oklahoma City Zoo, I am Executive Director of the Sri Lanka Elephant Project. We utilize a holistic approach to research and conservation, empowering the next generation of Sri Lankan conservationists to engage with sustainable and data-driven conservation initiatives. To learn more, please visit www.LankaElephants.org