The Whip and the elephant training in zoo and circus

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Why does an elephant keeper need a whip?

Elephant handlers and circus trainers basically use the whip as an arm extension. As opposed to the ankus (elephant hook), which requires direct contact with the elephant, the elephant trainer can wield his whip from a distance.
If used skilfully, the elephant trainer can touch any part of an elephant's body to reinforce his commands.

How should the whip be used?

Just like an elephant hook, the whip must be used sparingly. Both instruments are meant to be used to support and reinforce a command and only in an emergency should they be used to punish an elephant.

 Whip
elephant whip

Is it possible to make your own whip?

For anyone interested in making a whip, we recommend the book "How to make Whips" from the series BUSHCRAFT Volume 9 /Australia.

Published by: The Rams Skull Press
ISBN: 1-875772-27-2

 Book about the whips
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