Temple Elephants in Kerala

On the tape above note at 3:08 it appears that the mahout wants the bull to lay on his left side, and the bull says, "I got your left side right here" and refuses. The mahout will turn and look like what do I do now, and in the next shot the bull is not only on his left side but facing the other direction. This deal was edited. LOL



I realize we have looked at the above video before, but I have found a new one and it looks to me like the same boy in the video above after he has been calmed down and is having some time outs. Does it look like the same bull to you elephant men out there?



Elephant Welfare Trust of India

According to the Elephant Welfare Trust of India, there is a lack of skilled mahouts as this profession is not attractive. So, people who fail to have other employment are being engaged to take care of these animals. These mahouts are changed frequently and they do not have any emotional relationships with these animals, which lead to a lot of stress for the elephants. Accidents and diseases due to the urbanization of elephants is becoming common. It is very difficult to take care of incapacitated or aged animals.

Majority of the captive elephants have passed their prime, some are above 50 or 60 years old, which is the afternoon or dusk of their lives. To keep these animals when they cannot work is going to be a liability to the owners. EWTI thinks that there may be stray elephants soon wandering in search of food and shelter as they could be abandoned by their helpless or irresponsible owners. The goverment will not be able to take care of these animals either.

The EWTI is a group of veterenarians, elephant owners and animal lovers. They raise funds for the welfare of the elephants, mahouts and other related people.