Understanding 'mahout' includes recognizing it as a traditional occupation, mainly in Asian cultures. Tourists in Thailand often visit elephant sanctuaries to observe mahouts at work.
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Not Just Riders
'Mahout' implies more than riding; it includes caring for and training the elephant, involving a deep bond. The mahout bathed his elephant at the river, a daily bonding ritual.
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Vocational Skill
Being a mahout usually requires specialized skills passed down through generations. He comes from a family of mahouts, learning elephant-handling skills from his grandfather.