Elephant Aid International

Research at Anantara

Written by

Carol

in

Josh Plotnik, PhD, heads elephant research at Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation, Anantara Golden Triangle, Thailand. Josh conducted the mirror study at the Bronx Zoo

I was fortunate to meet Josh on his recent visit to ENP, where several years ago he conducted behavioral studies. Currently, four elephants at Anantara participate in Josh’s studies to measure elephant intelligence.

The different apparatuses that Josh has designed are quite ingenious and the elephants seem to enjoy the activity. The mahouts are quite engaged as well, which makes the project enjoyable for all involved.

Comments

2 responses to “Research at Anantara”

  1. sherryheim Avatar
    sherryheim

    What an incredible opportunity this is for you, Carol. It is fitting that you should be in on this research since you have spent so many years doing your own kind of research, one TES elephant at a time. You have raised people’s awareness about the treatment of elephants and through realizing your dream, you created a way for elephants to return to a more natural way of life. Your research has shown that elephants can rehabilitate and grow beyond their issues caused by former confinement and abuse. You have shown that when treated in a respectful manner, given freedom to make their own choices, given back their dignity and showered with loving attention that elephants respond in a positive, loving and respectful manner, no matter how difficult and trying their past has been. You have shown us that elephants have the ability to create strong and loving bonds with other elephants, humans and even a BFF dog. I am so happy that you are able to be where you are, right now, and that you are able to see, first hand, the respect that others in this field have for you and the work that you have done. Thank you for these blog posts, I love hearing about your adventures and the wonderful elephants and humans that you are encountering. ~Sherry

    Reply
  2. Sandra G Avatar
    Sandra G

    Thank you, Carol. Facinating to see the experiment written up as such. I had only seen the film of Happy and the mirror.

    Reply

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