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Elephants Learn Gentle Training in Manas National Park
5 Feb
Summary
- Mahouts trained in ethical, evidence-based elephant handling methods.
- Focus on positive reinforcement replacing traditional, painful techniques.
- New training improves elephant welfare and handler safety.
In western Assam's Manas National Park, mahouts are embracing a new era of elephant training, focusing on pain-free, ethical methods. An international program held from February 1 to 4, 2026, brought together experts from Australia's H-ELP Foundation and teams from Kaziranga National Park and the Wildlife Trust of India. This initiative aims to improve the welfare of captive Asian elephants, a critically endangered species, by replacing traditional, often harsh techniques with positive, pressure-release reinforcement.
The new training involves four steps: voice command, stick direction, verbal praise, and food rewards. The core commands facilitate essential tasks like veterinary check-ups. Experts emphasize that the ultimate goal is communication solely through voice commands and hand signals. This approach fosters trust between mahouts and elephants, leading to calmer, safer animals and improving the overall management and handling of these gentle giants.
