How to Train an Elephant

The training of an elephant must take into account its high level of intelligence.

Elephants are found in the wild, on wildlife preserves and in zoos and circuses. If you're considering becoming an elephant trainer, you'll need to know the procedures for interacting with these impressive animals. Elephant training should be done only by professionals, in the right environments and with the utmost respect for the elephants being trained.

Things You'll Need

• Treats
• Toys
• Guide stick

Instructions

1. Design a complex training program. Elephants are extremely smart, and are good at learning complicated behaviors. Simple repetition of mindless tasks won't be enough to stimulate them and reduce restlessness or destructive behavior. Trainers must come up with complex training regimes to keep elephants healthy and happy, and willing to comply with performance training or necessary medical procedures. Good training also increases the safety of the trainer and the elephant. An example of a complex training program would be a guided trip around the elephant's environment that involves interaction with tools and obstacles along the way.

2. Positively reinforce good behavior. This is the first step in a good training regime. Many zoos call this the "Operant Conditioning System." Reward elephants for good behavior, such as entering and exiting a pen calmly, with a treat, toy or kind words.

3. Avoid punishment at all times and don't become angry. Part of positive-reinforcement training involves ignoring bad behavior and rewarding compliance. It's also essential for both the safety of the animal and the trainer to keep the elephant calm; punishment will likely upset it.

4. Give the elephant cues to perform certain behaviors. You may want the elephant to stand still when you say a certain word or make a certain hand gesture. Just as you would teach a puppy to sit, reward the elephant when it complies; even if it doesn't, continue delivering the command. Some trainers choose cues that naturally mimic movements made by elephants as they move around. These cues may be easier for elephants to learn than a foreign verbal command or hand gesture.

5. Place your guide, a long hooked stick made specifically for training elephants, against a body part of the elephant. The guide is used to help elephants learn the meaning of each cue. For example, if you place your guide against the elephant's foot, it will instinctively raise its foot to avoid the guide. Conduct this action while repeating a word or gesture and reward the elephant when it raises its foot. The elephant will learn to associate specific cues with specific actions, and soon you'll no longer need the guide.

Tips & Warnings

• Establish a positive rapport with the elephant in your care. If you're continually delivering praise, treats and toys as the elephant completes tasks well or displays good behavior, you've created a successful training system that will keep the elephant happy and healthy. You'll need time to establish trust and rapport, but the effort will be worth it.

• You should not attempt to interact with an elephant without first taking the proper safety courses and receiving adequate training; elephants can be dangerous if approached improperly.

References

• The Maryland Zoo: How We Train Our Elephants
• Montgomery County Community College: The Elephant Keeper
• Smithsonian: Elephant FAQ

Resources

• "Tons of fun: Training Elephants"; Martin Hintz; 1982