Assam: In a significant step towards modernizing elephant management practices, two mahouts from Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) participated in an international workshop on positive reinforcement techniques for captive elephants.
The event, held from November 6-8, 2024, at the National Elephant Institute in Lampang, Thailand, marks the first time mahouts from Kaziranga attended such a prestigious global platform.
The workshop, titled the ‘Gentle Training Workshop,’ focused on promoting the well-being of captive elephants by emphasizing positive reinforcement—rewarding desirable behavior rather than punishing unwanted actions. This progressive approach aims to foster better relationships between elephants and their handlers, reducing stress and promoting both mental and physical health for the animals.
The workshop, organized by the Human-Elephant Learning Programs Foundation (H-ELP), saw participation from countries including Nepal, Laos PDR, Thailand, and Sri Lanka. KNPTR was represented by two seasoned mahouts: Kasim Ali from Kaziranga Range and Sanjeev Pegu from the Agaratoli Range.
Led by esteemed experts like Dr. Andrew McLean, Dr. Portland Jones from H-ELP, and Dr. Bhaskar Choudhury from the Wildlife Trust of India, the sessions highlighted the scientific benefits of positive reinforcement. The method contrasts with traditional punitive training techniques, promoting trust and communication between mahouts and elephants.
Assam’s Forest Minister, Chandra Mohan Patowary, expressed his pride in the initiative, stating, “I am delighted to learn that Mahouts from Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve attended an international training in Thailand on positive reinforcement techniques for captive elephant management. Under the visionary leadership of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, our government is committed to adapting the latest techniques in scientific means of wildlife conservation in the state.”
This initiative demonstrates Kaziranga’s commitment to adopting compassionate and scientifically supported methods in elephant management, contributing to the broader effort of wildlife conservation in Assam.
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