February 11, 2008
Worked with my last elephant (out of thirteen) this morning after the aging elephant and his mahout was not to be found yesterday. The mahout was getting drunk somewhere, sadly a common situation here in India and potentially dangerous. Elephants are often much more controlled and disciplined by a mahout who is an alcoholic. Irratic behaviour patterns due to alcohol consumption can be a night mare for the animals.
In summery my visit and work here further increased my knowledge of this country with its cultural elephant tradition. I met so many people and was ask so may questions. The press kept coming our way too and I felt streched to hold the calm atmosphere I needed to create for this magnificant beings. Noise pollution is in high gear most of the day ether by traffic, radio, drums, firecrackers or the shouts of the mahouts towards their elephants.
I am surrounded by men all day and into the night. Where are the woman? Not even my hotel has female employees. The huge bill boards are full of woman exposed in western clothing showing bare shoulders and arms but none of this is seen on the streets of the city. When I ask my all male team they keep laughing and laughing and saying this is just advertising. The heat often gets to me and I wish I could wear more lighter blouses but I keep my upper arms covered as I don’t want to draw more attention as I already have.
Now off to Assam and the captive held elephants at Kaziranga National Park.
