Keepers of the Elephant Hills

The ancient man-animal bond flourishes here like no other. Living with and caring for the largest mammals on land requires adherence, intelligence, compassion, and ardent fervour to tend to them.

In captive elephant establishments around the world, tools such as bullhooks, sticks, and chains are often deemed essential for taming and managing these majestic creatures. Mahouts and cavadies (colloquial term for assistants to mahouts) traditionally rely on inducing “pain and fear” through these implements to control the elephants. However, a contrasting approach is observed in the Anamalai and Mudumalai regions, where the mahouts embrace positive reinforcement strategies. Here, bathing the elephants, providing treats, feeding them nutritious food, and dedicating quality time to nurture their well-being are pivotal in fostering a bond between the caretakers and the elephants. This method, enriched by the conventional wisdom passed down from ancestors regarding elephant care and management, proves effective in managing these gentle giants without resorting to pain and fear, especially avoiding the use of bullhooks. Add to that the knowledge they’ve gained over the years, becoming attuned to the walks and ways of the elephants, and they live together in close harmony, forming a sacred bond with these gentle giants.

Living alongside them, the stick is wielded but not whipped, the chains are tied but not bound. The bullhooks are possessed but not used. Only an ancient bond is honoured. The tribespeople, who have become caretakers of the abandoned, rescued, or captured elephants that once roamed freely across this ancient land, now play an integral role in the well-being of the elephants. Like family, the caretakers nurture intricate bonds with them – bonds that endure a lifetime and demand unwavering discipline and dedication.

For instance, bathing is one of the most important routines in nurturing the bond between mahout and elephant, which may seem like a simple act. In the wild, the elephants “mud-bathe” or find natural water sources to cool down or play, besides quenching thirst. This bathing ritual is a poignant expression in captivity that signifies their intrinsic bond. Not only does it help the animal calm down and de-stress, but it also enables the mahout to identify wounds or ailments that might otherwise go unnoticed.

I feel blessed to have walked with these men and magnificent creatures in the forests of the Anamalais, my promised land – a place of wonder and inspiration and the forests I deeply love and revere.