Archive · 28 May 2025
TDB Mahout Reshuffle Sparks Controversy Among Animal Activists
The TDB is moving mahouts, who take care of temple elephants, to different elephants.
Animal rights groups are worried this is bad for the elephants because it breaks the bond of trust.
They say new mahouts cause stress.
Experts agree that a strong mahout-elephant relationship is vital.
However, the TDB made the decision following advice.
This decision could cause stress for the elephants.
The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) is reshuffling mahouts for temple elephants.
Animal rights activists are raising concerns about the reshuffle.
The Heritage Animal Task Force has filed a complaint against the decision.
Experts emphasize the importance of the mahout-elephant bond for the animal's well-being.
The reshuffle involves several elephants and mahouts.
- Who
- Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), animal rights activists
- What
- TDB's decision to reshuffle mahouts across temple elephants
- When
- May 28, 2025
- Where
- Kerala
- Why
- Following recommendations from the Thiruvananthapuram Deputy Devaswom Commissioner and the Devaswom Veterinary Doctor
Animal Rights Activists
TDB
Impact of Reshuffle
Animal Rights Activists
Abrupt changes in mahout-elephant pairings can negatively impact the animals’ health and well-being.
TDB
The reshuffle is necessary based on recommendations from the Thiruvananthapuram Deputy Devaswom Commissioner and the Devaswom Veterinary Doctor
Safety Concerns
Animal Rights Activists
Sudden changes in handlers only increase the risk to both the mahouts and the public, especially while being paraded in festivals.
TDB
In certain circumstances, such as disciplinary issues involving mahouts, a reshuffle might become necessary
- Organization
- Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB)
- Location
- Kerala
- Issue
- Reshuffling of mahouts for temple elephants
- Affected Elephants
- Sharkara Chandrashekharan, Thiruvarattukavu Kalidasan, Parassala Sivasankaran, and Thrikkadavoor Shivaraju, Malayankeezhu Vallabhan
- Affected Parties
- Mahouts, Elephants, Public