Do you let your Mahouts ride the elephants? 

At ECC, the well-being of our elephants is our top priority.

Our mahouts occasionally ride the elephants, primarily for safety when navigating through the forest.

The elephants’ necks are incredibly strong, naturally supporting their head, trunk, and tusks, which can weigh over 250 kg.

Therefore, a local mahout weighing no more than 60 kg does not harm the elephant.

This practice is always conducted with great care and only when necessary.

Male elephants can be more challenging to manage due to their aggressive tendencies, especially during ‘musth.’ In these instances, mahouts may ride the males to ensure the safety of the elephants, the mahouts, and our guests.

We currently (2025) have seven males on site, and their safety and well-being are paramount in all our practices.