Guwahati, Oct 2: Two mahouts from Manas National Park and Tiger Reserve have earned international recognition after being certified as ‘Master Mahouts’, qualifying them to train elephant handlers in different countries, senior forest officials said on Thursday. Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Additional PCCF) and Council Head of Department (CHD) of the Bodol and Territorial Council (BTC), Sonali Ghosh, said the recognition marked a significant achievement for the Assam Forest Department, Manas Tiger Reserve and the community of mahouts engaged in wildlife conservation.

“Their expertise and experience from Manas will now contribute to international capacity-building in elephant care, management and welfare,” Ghosh said. The recognition was announced at the closing ceremony of a seven-day Comprehensive Training Programme for Mahouts, organised by the Field Directorate of Manas Tiger Reserve in collaboration with the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI).

The training programme, which commenced on September 24 at Bansbari, concluded on Wednesday. The programme was conducted by Padma Shri awardee Parbati Barua, retired Divisional Conservator of Forests Bhupendra Nath Talukdar and WTI Chief Veterinary Officer Bhaskar Choudhury.

A total of 27 staff members from Manas Tiger Reserve, including three from Odisha, participated in the programme. “This was the first comprehensive training of its kind conducted at Manas, providing participants with specialised knowledge and practical skills for the effective management and welfare of captive elephants,” the Additional PCCF added.

Bodol and Territorial Council Executive Member for Forest and Wildlife, James Basumatary, said.