Powerful Photos About the Complex Relationships of Asians with Elephants (18 photos)

"We in Asia haven't yet fully figured out whether we hate these animals or love them," says photographer Palani Mohan. Originally from the Indian state of Madras, Mohan spent five years photographing elephants for his project "Vanishing Giants." This series is a testament to how humanity loves—and abuses—Asian elephants who live alongside humans.





The idea for the project came to Mohan while living in Thailand, where elephants are forced to beg on the streets or revered as deities in monasteries. He realized that these animals, symbols of Thailand, after whom hotels and even children are named, are also subject to violence and exploitation.

The photographer has visited more than ten countries and encountered countless elephants, each of whom, he says, had their own distinct personality. He especially liked the young animals—they are very playful. However, Mohan emphasizes that owning an elephant is a great responsibility, and they must be treated with care, respect, and caution.



A tear flows from the eye of an elephant held in a wooden crate for three days on the Thai-Burmese border.

A mahout (mahout) leads an elephant, western Thailand.



A wild elephant in Chitwan National Park, Sri Lanka.



An elephant returns to camp in Chitwan National Park, Sri Lanka.



Rock-carved elephants at the Ellora Temple in India.



A young elephant screams while being dragged, Thai-Burmese border.



Taming a young elephant using planks with nails, ropes, and a wooden frame in a remote village on the Thai-Burmese border.



An elephant rehearses before a performance for tourists in the village of Ban Ta Klang, Thailand.



A mahout with a hook.



A male elephant during the rutting season in Madumalai National Park in southern India.



Transporting an elephant on a truck through Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka.



Bathing dozens of elephants at a sanctuary in Sri Lanka.



An elephant snatched a street vendor during Thai New Year celebrations.



In Sri Lanka, it is considered good luck to walk under an elephant with your child.



An elephant begs in Bangkok.



An elephant bathes near a logging camp in southern India.



Cleaning an elephant in southern India.



A mahout with an elephant in Sri Lanka.