• The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has established its second dedicated Mahout Village at Kozhikamuthi elephant camp in the Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR).
• This initiative aims to enhance the welfare of mahouts and cavadies who care for captive elephants, ensuring improved living standards while fostering stronger bonds between the handlers and elephants.
• The project follows the success of India’s first Mahout Village at Theppakadu in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, inaugurated in May 2025.
• The pioneering initiative provided 44 houses equipped with modern facilities, marking a significant step in recognizing and supporting the traditional role of elephant caretakers. With the new village in Anamalai, Tamil Nadu continues to lead efforts in improving the livelihoods of mahouts while preserving the cultural and ecological significance of captive elephants.