Manas hosts global training for captive elephant welfare
Manas National Park and Tiger Reserve (MNP & TR) on Wednesday concluded a landmark international training programme aimed at revolutionising the management and welfare of captive Asian elephants. Held from February 1 to 4, the initiative brought together experts from the Australian charity Human-Elephant Learning Programs (HELP) Foundation, alongside teams from Kaziranga National Park and the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI).
With nearly one-third of the world’s critically endangered Asian elephant population living in captivity, the programme focused on implementing science-based, ethical training methods. The HELP Foundation team worked intensively with a select group of “Master Mahouts” from Manas and Kaziranga, focusing on welfare-friendly practices that replace traditional methods with positive, pressure-release reinforcement.
These lead trainers are being groomed to mentor new recruits across Northern India, ensuring calm and safe interactions. Such practices are vital for daily forest patrolling and performing stress-free veterinary procedures. Dr Andrew McLean, lead trainer from the HELP Foundation, lauded the commitment of the staff, noting that their retention of welfare principles since previous sessions was “excellent.”
Field Director of Manas National Park, Dr C Ramesh, IFS, stated: “At Manas, we are proud to be at the forefront of elephant welfare, implementing world-leading and scientifically backed methods. This collaborative effort shows what sustained and positive outcomes can be achieved when we work together.” Mark Trayling, Chair of the HELP Foundation, underscored the bond between Australia and India in wildlife protection.
He described Manas as an international conservation success story, sharing a common goal of providing animals with the “best possible life.”This training initiative adds another chapter to the “Manas Success Story,” complementing the park’s achievements in increasing rhino and tiger numbers by ensuring that its captive elephant population — the backbone of forest patrolling — is managed with the highest global standards of ethics and kindness.
