The training of an elephant differs from animal to animal. Depending on the will and spirit of the wild elephant, training can take as little as six months or as long as six years. In order for the trainer to gain respect from the elephant, the trainer must exert his dominance over it through beatings, starvation and deprivation of sleep and water. To restrain the elephant from being destructive and harmful, it is tied to the ground and held there until it is comfortable with the trainer's presence. To reward the Sumatran elephant after its long, hard training, a special song is sung and the elephant is patted on the head by his proud trainers. This ceremony marks the ending of its instruction and the beginning of its new career as a worker.
The elephant is mainly employed with felling trees and carrying them back to camp. Being a live bulldozer, they are able to carry logs weighing as much as six tons with dignity and grace. Sometimes an enormous bull elephant is tied to a tree and used to lure other elephants to captivity. Its superiority attracts them to him. Despite the elephant's size, it can still perform its duties with easy agility. Not only does the pachyderm move logs, but it also transports people to their destinations smoothly and efficiently.
Because elephants are such magnificant, easily trained animals, they are used in circus performances. These shows consist of make-believe hunts, soccer games, and many stunts. In Asia, superstition and tradition has always favored the elephant, where they are believed to have special powers. Many Asians believe that walking under an elephant brings good luck. In the Far East, elephants have always been considered sacred, holy animals. That is why their respecting admirers travel miles to see them. Of late, fate has looked poorly upon the elephants and extinction lurks nearer, but should they die out, they will long be remembered as adroit, graceful, regal animals.
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