Kaziranga Mahouts Embark on Unprecedented International Elephant Training Journey

Two Kaziranga National Park mahouts, Kasim Ali and Sanjeev Pegu, attended an international workshop on advanced elephant welfare techniques in Thailand, focusing on positive reinforcement for elephants. The training emphasized reducing stress and improving relationships between elephants and handlers through scientific methods.

In a groundbreaking move, two mahouts from Kaziranga National Park in Assam have taken a significant step in enhancing elephant care by participating in an international workshop in Thailand. Kasim Ali and Sanjeev Pegu traveled to the National Elephant Institute in Lampang for the 'Gentle Training Workshop' from November 6-8.

According to Sonali Ghosh, Field Director of the park, the three-day event, organized by the Human-Elephant Learning Programs Foundation (H-ELP), aimed to improve captive elephant welfare by applying the latest scientific insights, emphasizing positive reinforcement techniques. Noteworthy trainers included Andrew McLean, Portland Jones from H-ELP, and Bhaskar Choudhury from the Wildlife Trust of India.

Sonali Ghosh explained that positive reinforcement, which involves adding a rewarding stimulus to encourage desired behaviors, contrasts with traditional methods focusing on correcting negative actions. The approach is not only less stressful but also fosters better relationships between elephants and their carers. Practical demonstrations during the training also covered techniques like desensitization to help elephants manage stress and fear in challenging environments.

(With inputs from agencies.)