# Indigenous mahouts care for India’s elephants with tradition

2026-08-13T03:43:38+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 2 independent outlets

On World Elephant Day, India highlighted its status as home to the world’s largest wild Asian elephant population, with 33 reserves and 150 corridors. The Hindu reports on mahouts from indigenous communities, Kaatunaickers, Kurumbas, and Malasars, who care for captive elephants at the historic Theppakadu and Kozhikamuthi camps in Tamil Nadu. Using generations-old knowledge without hooks, these caretakers train and rehabilitate elephants, some for decades. The Theppakadu camp was featured in the Oscar-winning documentary The Elephant Whisperers. At Kozhikamuthi, Malasar mahouts use over 60 commands and share an intricate bond with elephants. Tribal communities provide generations of caretakers, earning national honours like the Gaj Gaurav Award. The camps combine traditional wisdom with modern upgrades, including a mahout village and visitor facilities.

## Coverage

- rediff.com <https://www.rediff.com/news/report/world-elephant-day-haathi-mere-saathi-news-listicle/20260812.htm>
- thehindu.com <https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/guardians-of-the-gentle-giants-mahouts-from-indigenous-communities-and-their-bond-with-elephants/article71344365.ece>

Tags: elephant reserves, elephants, Environment Ministry, India, wildlife census, World Elephant Day
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