India - Kodanad was once the largest elephant capturing centers in South India. In 1977, elephant capturing was illegalized and came to an end but the training center is still intact. The center currently houses three elephants but the numbers vary. Early each morning, the elephants are led down to the river by their mahouts (trainers and caretakers) and tourists are allowed to scrub the elephants with coconut tusks in the river.
Photos © Annette Bonnier 2011