Mysuru, Nov. 12 -- Handling captive elephants is physically demanding and calls for considerable experience, courage and familiarity with the animals.
Elephants released into nearby forests for grazing often wander 8 to 10 km from their camps. If they do not return by morning, Mahouts and Kavadis have to enter the forest, track them down and bring them back. At times, they have to do this while negotiating terrain where wild animals may be present.
They are also responsible for collecting nearly 300-kg of fresh fodder every day for each elephant. This involves cutting and gathering leaves and branches from trees.
Experienced Mahouts allege that only a few of the selected candidates possess these skills. They also point out that several a...