The elephant whisperers of the Western Ghats

The Elephant Whisperers documentary, directed by Kartiki Gonsalves, has been nominated for an Academy Award in the Documentary Short Film category. The film tells the heart-warming story of Bomman and Bellie, a couple who share an unbreakable bond with Raghu, an orphaned elephant. The film was filmed in Tamil Nadu's Theppakadu Elephant Camp at the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, which is home to some of the oldest elephant camps in the country.

These camps are maintained by mahouts (elephant trainers) and cavadies (assistants) who are mostly drawn from local tribal communities like Malasars and Irulas.

The film highlights the bond between humans and animals but also sheds light on the growing conflict between man and elephants in the Western Ghats. The documentary also features Malasar, a six-minute conservation film narrated by Nasser, which showcases the sacred bond between elephants and the Malasar tribes of the Anamalai Hills. The film emphasizes the need to protect the tribe's identity and conventional wisdom, which has been handed down over generations.

The caretakers, or mahouts and cavadies, are the backbone of captive elephant care. They possess traditional wisdom and a deep understanding of elephant behavior, which they have gained over time. Their service is crucial in mitigating man-animal conflict and rescuing orphaned elephant calves. The film showcases the importance of recognizing the sacrifices made by these caretakers and building their capacities through training and support.

It also brings to light the unsung heroes, the Malasar tribes, who have dedicated their lives to caring for these majestic animals.