India: What it takes to drive an elephant

Domestication of elephants

There are a number of centers in the world that are equipped to care for elephant calves that have been captured, abandoned or injured. Calves are trained to become work elephants in India and a mahout must first win the trust of a calf. Feeding is one of the most important ways of earning its trust. A calf recognizes its mahout's voice when called for feeding. 

To drive an elephant safely, the mahout must have good intensive training for at least, three months. An elephant should be rewarded with a treat anytime it obeys a command. To avoid any confusion, verbal commands are given by just one mahout. 

Even though many people fear this mighty land animal, a well-trained elephant will obey a kind master. Something happened on one occasion where an elephant driver was cooking and left his child between the trunk and forefeet of his resting elephant. The child repeatedly tried to move away, but the elephant gently curled its trunk around the child and drew him back to where his father had left him. The father continued with his cooking and appeared to have absolute confidence that the child was in safe custody. I believe this happened because of the type of relationship between the elephant and its master. 

Elephants need to be bathed daily and fed very well. The main course include grasses, bamboo and palm leaves. They also love carrots and sugar cane. They need about 140 kilograms of food and 150 litres of water everyday! To stay good friends with his pachyderm, the mahout has to satisfy these needs.