Knife and Bull Hook or aṅkuśa used by a mahout. The bullhook is used to train and control the elephant. It’s a sharp metal hook and the design is meant to cause pain by stabbing sensitive areas on the elephants head.

Elephant Conservation was a personal long-term photo project about Asian elephants living in captivity. They are mostly used for profit in the tourist and entertainment industry where there are public concerns of mistreatment and a harsh environment for living. As a thriving business, it has also lead to the poaching of young elephants from the wild, further reducing the population. Their risk of extinction though is primarily from habitat loss due to deforestation and human activity. Ironically the current domestication of elephants is the only guaranty for preventing extinction which is mainly funded by tourism. Over time I visited elephant camps and sanctuaries to get a good understanding of the industry and to see what the future holds for a more ethical and sustainable method. 

The mahout (elephant rider & caretaker) is always in possession of the following two tools; the bullhook or aṅkuśa and a knife. The bullhook is used to train and control the elephant. It’s a sharp metal hook and the design is meant to cause pain by stabbing sensitive areas on the elephants head.

Captive elephants used in the tourist industry for trekking or circus-type shows are controlled by fear. Sometimes an elephant retaliates, and people’s lives are in danger, on such occasions, this is when the knife is needed. Something to consider if you have the opportunity to ride an elephant or look at an elephant show.

A fresh wound near Mae-Ka’s ear and older wounds on the forehead caused by the use of a bullhook.

Captive elephants have never been bred selectively like other domesticated livestock animals, they are stillborn with their natural wild instincts and behaviours. To control and train a young elephant safely in captivity it must first be broken in to accept human control. It is a traumatising process for the young elephant having all limbs tied to restrict movement while being beaten, shouted at and pierced by hooks and sticks till eventually their spirits are broken and will forever be fearful of the mahout. They are always chained when they are not working with short lengths that restrict movement.

A chain is fastened around Mae-Ka’s leg after a trekking tour.

Some people and organisations are trying to bring about change; they are promoting awareness in the hopes of changing the mindset of the industry to alternatives that are more natural and sustainable.  They are also providing a natural habitat for elephants rescued from the trade. One such person is Miguel Tenorio, a lawyer turned conservationist and founder of Conserve Natural Forest a recently formed NGO. They acquired 12 acres of abandoned farmland with a stream and have planted trees to prepare a home for rescued elephants.

View of the 12-acre land acquired by Conserve Natural Forest for their conservation program.

Miguel watering saplings at the nursery on the 12-acre land.

Miguel meets with local elephant owners in the hopes of convincing them to give up their elephants from the trade and offer them a more free and natural way of living. It is not that easy though for most of the owners as it is their only form of income.  Miguel’s long-term goal is to create an elephant sanctuary where elephants can reproduce and be introduced back to the wild.

Miguel, the founder of NGO Conserve Natural Forest, stops at Mae-Ka’s camp in the hopes of negotiating with the owner to keep her under his care.

It is important to note that my intention is not to blame or point fingers at mahouts or business that use elephants for profit. These are traditions that are centuries old and it will take some time before things change to more ethical and sustainable means. It can be achieved if everyone does their part and work together. To learn more about elephants held in captivity and the progress made by Conserve Natural Forests you can read Part Two of this blog thread.

You can see more images in my gallery “Elephant Conservation”.  Thank you.