Mahout facts for kids

A mahout with his elephant in Thailand

A mahout is a special person who works with elephants. They are like elephant trainers or riders. Mahouts often start learning when they are young boys. They are given a baby elephant to care for. This helps them form a strong bond and friendship that lasts for many years.

What Tools Do Mahouts Use?

Mahouts use a special tool to help guide their elephants. This tool is called an anlius or ankusha. It is a type of goad, which is a stick with a sharp hook on the end. The mahout uses this hook gently to guide the elephant by touching the back of its head. It helps them communicate and direct the elephant safely.

Images for kids

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  An image of the elephant keeper in India riding his elephant from Tashrih al-aqvam (1825).

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  Samponiet Reserve, Aceh

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  Mahout with a young elephant at Elephant Nature Park, Thailand

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  A young elephant and his mahout, Kerala, India

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  Fig. 6. Antique steel hook used by elephant riders of the empire of the Great Mogul

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  Mahout washing his elephant. Temple in Kanchipuram

See also

In Spanish: Mahout para niños