Some Mahouts still use physical torture.
How can I convince Mahouts and owners to listen and be open to me?
Most Mahouts lack any essential support and
don't know any other way to treat elephants.
Many Mahouts who care for Elephants are poor,
and Elephants are their only means of survival.
While riding an elephant, Mahouts manoeuvre by pressing their toes into the animal, especially to indicate direction.
The idea of“domesticated”
elephants working in harmony with their human handlers(Mahouts) may sound idyllic,
but the reality is anything but.
Unfortunately, excessive use of bullhooks(or other implements)
by heavy handed or inexperienced Mahouts is widespread, resulting in wounds to head and flesh.
This means we also
have to help improve the lives of those who care for them- the Mahouts and Elephants will both benefit.
When you see how Mahouts live and struggle to feed themselves, it
is understandable why they treat Elephants the way that they do.
The day after my report, I noticed the Mahouts keeping their distance from me,
and I did not see any other abuse after.
So abusing the elephant in
an effort to get it to do what you want is something that has been ingrained into the Mahouts.
At the sanctuary, we would tell the tourists that the Mahouts had a“special bond” with the elephants,
which is why they were so responsive to the mahout's commands.
As mentioned before, the Mahouts are elephant handlers who ensure the elephants stay on
course for the duration of the tour and do not harm any of the tourists.
If the Mahouts start to feel appreciated,
are able to have some sense of security and well-being, I know that they will be able to better care for the elephants.
I reported what I saw to the sanctuary
manager who said she would have a talk with the Mahouts, and that they were newer
and probably didn't know not to do this(though I doubt that they didn't know).