A mahout’s work involves much more than guiding an elephant during visitor activities. Daily observation helps our team understand what is normal for each individual elephant and notice changes that may need attention.
Knowing each elephant as an individual
Prae, Pepsi, Linda and Jan have different ages, personalities, habits and preferences. A useful daily check starts with knowing the individual: how she normally approaches food, how she moves, how active she is and how she responds to familiar people and surroundings.
What the mahouts observe
- Appetite and interest in food
- Drinking and access to water
- Movement, posture and general activity
- Behaviour and response to the environment
- Visible changes in overall condition
- Comfort during rest and routine activities
These observations are recorded so that changes can be compared over time. The aim is not to diagnose medical conditions independently. When assessment or advice is needed, information is shared with veterinary professionals.
Adapting the day
Visitor activities are guided and may be adjusted according to an elephant’s behaviour, comfort, weather and ground conditions. Water activities are not guaranteed. Guests must follow the mahout’s instructions, maintain a respectful distance and never force an interaction.
Why records and communication matter
Care improves when observations are consistent and information can be shared clearly. Daily records provide useful context for veterinary assessment and help the team make practical decisions about food, rest and activity.
Learn more in our Elephant Welfare Standards and meet our four elephants.