“LSD-Induced Effects in Elephants: Comparisons With Musth Behavior”, 1984-07-01 (; similar):
Musth is a condition observed in male Asiatic elephants and is characterized by aggression and temporal gland secretions. A classic and controversial 1962 study attempted to induce a musth syndrome in an elephant via treatment with LSD. Two elephants in the present study survived dosages of LSD (0.003–0.10 mg/kg) and exhibited changes in the frequency and/or duration of several behaviors as scored according to a quantitative observational system. LSD increased aggression and inappropriate behaviors such as ataxia. Results are discussed in terms of musth and drug-induced perceptual-motor dysfunction.
…Treatment with the low dosage of LSD produced dramatic changes in behavior within 10–20 min. The female showed a small increase in rock/sway time and slightly increased ear flapping and exploration. Perhaps the most interesting change was the increased inappropriate behavior marked by leaning with closed eyes and slightly ataxic gait. Vocalizations decreased but changed to short squeaks or chirping, which may indicate pleasure or conflict. The male showed similar, albeit more intense, behaviors, as well as head shaking and several aggressive displays.
The high dosage of LSD produced an initial aggressive display by the female, marked by trumpets and snorts, vocalizations that indicate extreme arousal. This was followed by increasing ataxia, with spread forelegs and hindlegs, and eventually by the animal’s falling onto its side. It remained down for ~60 min and exhibited shallow respirations and some tremors, but when nudged by handlers, arose slowly and eventually regained an upright posture. Activity remained quiescent for the remainder of the session. The high dosage also produced an aggressive display in the male elephant, which repeatedly trumpeted and snorted while charging the observer. This was quickly followed by leaning with closed eyes and ataxia. Periodically, this inappropriate behavior was interrupted by aggressive displays or dustbathing. During all LSD sessions, both elephants refused feeding and most drinking. However, during the high-dosage session, the male bathed with the hay but did not eat it.
…Within 24 h following LSD treatments, both elephants returned to normal baseline behaviors, including feeding and drinking. Examination of the temporal glands revealed no evidence of discharging…The female displayed some aggression during the high-dose session, but the accompanying vocalizations suggest that this was more alarm and panic to the sudden onset of perceptual-motor symptoms than it was a threat.