# Elephant Whisperers draws Oscar nod, spotlights Tamil Nadu tribal mahouts 2026-08-12T18:16:39+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet The Elephant Whisperers, Kartiki Gonsalves' documentary on the bond between caretakers Bomman and Bellie and an orphaned elephant named Raghu, has been nominated in the Documentary Short Film category for the 95th Academy Awards. Filmed at Theppakadu Elephant Camp in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu, the film also highlights growing human-elephant conflict in the Western Ghats. The recognition has turned attention to the Malasar and Irula tribes who serve as mahouts, using traditional knowledge passed down through generations to care for over 60 captive elephants in Tamil Nadu. The state government recently sent 13 mahouts for training at the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre, with plans for more. Officials say these caretakers are unsung heroes who combine science and compassion, using up to 60 commands to communicate with elephants. ## Coverage - thehindu.com Tags: elephant conservation, Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu, The Elephant Whisperers, tribal mahouts, wildlife welfare Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/elephant-whisperers-draws-oscar-nod-spotlights-tamil-nadu-tribal-mahouts/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/elephant-whisperers-draws-oscar-nod-spotlights-tamil-nadu-tribal-mahouts/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.