Elephant-Friendly Training for Working Elephants: A practical manual for foundation training from first handling to riding and trunk control

All proceeds from this book go to the Human-Elephant Learning Program (the HELP Foundation) which is a not-for-profit company with the aim to improve the welfare of captive elephants through the understanding and application of the science of learning processes, known as learning theory. Dr Andrew McLean’s involvement with elephant training in Asia began in Nepal in 2006 as a result of his world acclaimed research into the learning mechanisms surrounding another ridden animal, the horse. Impressed with early results of a pilot program in Nepal involving the foundation training of five young elephants, the Nepalese Department of Conservation and Wildlife announced that the learning theory approach had proven itself and the methodology continues on in Nepal. To facilitate the further expansion throughout Asia, Andrew McLean and Laurie Pond formed The HELP Foundation bringing together a team with relevant expertise. The Wildlife Trust of India has collaborated with HELP and has provided solid administrative support. As a result, HELP’s work in India is successfully achieving its mission in the two chief training regions of Assam in the north and Kerala in the south. Both regions have shown great enthusiasm and ability in implementing the HELP programs. To improve the welfare of captive elephants through the understanding and application of the science of elephant behaviour and learning processes. In this way we also aim to improve the lives of mahouts and their families through increased knowledge, status and self-esteem. Website link: www.h-elp.org