How many commands does a zoo elephant know?

In his daily contact with the elephants, an elephant keeper uses about 16 different commands. By means of these commands, he communicates verbally with the elephants. In addition, body language is used to back up all these commands. This communication is an important factor in the safe handling and care of elephants.
In a zoo, elephants are familiar with the commands used in everyday training. Circus elephants must learn a number of additional commands for their work in the ring.

Which language does an elephant keeper use?

The language used for commands is more or less similar all over central Europe and is composed of English, German and Singhalese.
At the same time, every zoo and circus also uses a few special commands of its own.

What exactly are the commands?

The typical commands in dealing with elephants on a daily basis are the following:

come here = come to me
side = move aside
go back = move backwards
go on = move forwards
down = lie down, on elbows and knees
lay down = lie on your side
up = stand up again
steh = stand still
rangu = lift up your trunk
lift = lift up your foot
diup = lower your head
push = push an object
derri = hold an object
lasch = let the object go
Fuss hier = put your foot here
Fuss zurück = put your foot back