At 29 years of age, Aslam Khan represents the younger generation of Mahouts, bringing a fresh perspective to the age-old tradition of elephant care. Hailing from a family deeply rooted in this profession, Aslam grew up with four brothers who are also Mahouts. With six years of experience under his belt, he has spent the last three years cultivating a special bond with Sita. This connection goes beyond mere caretaking; it's a relationship of mutual respect and love. As a devoted father of two, Aslam imbues his role as a Mahout with the same nurturing spirit he shows his own children. His family-centric values resonate in his approach to elephant care, making him an indispensable part of our team and a beloved companion to Sita.

At 55, Ramchendra Chaudhari, commonly known as Ram, embodies the spiritual and emotional connection one can have with elephants. Unlike his colleague Aslam, Ram did not inherit his Mahout skills from family but was trained by cousins and friends. With an impressive 20-year tenure in elephant care, he's spent the last decade caring for Jaymati. Ram views his work as a sacred endeavor; to him, caring for elephants is akin to serving Ganesh, the elephant-headed God. Although his children live far away in Kathmandu, he finds familial companionship in Jaymati, whom he loves to wash, feed, and care for. Ram's belief that he and Jaymati can understand each other on a deeper level adds a divine touch to his devoted service, making him a cherished member of our team.

At just 26 years old, Bishal Darai is a trailblazer in his family as the first to embrace the role of a Mahout. Though he didn't inherit this calling from his family, his passion was ignited by a friend and neighbor who was a Mahout. With six years of experience in elephant care, Bishal has been a dedicated caretaker to Jaymati for the last two years. His favorite moments are their walks in the jungle, an experience he finds thrilling and soul-stirring, especially as they've encountered tigers on their journeys. As a young father to a 3-year-old daughter, Bishal carries the same sense of wonder and responsibility into his role, making him a cherished addition to our team and a loyal companion to Jaymati.

At 45, Atrya Chaudhari, affectionately known as Didi, is the heart and soul of our sanctuary, although not a Mahout herself. As a mother of five and a grandmother to four, Didi brings her nurturing touch to her role as the cook for our Mahouts. She is more than just a culinary genius specializing in the Nepalese classic Dhal Bhat; she's also a multitasker who contributes in various ways like harvesting, cutting grass, and keeping the sanctuary organized. Didi loves working with the team, citing their kindness as a highlight of her day. Her multifaceted involvement not only keeps our Mahouts well-fed and focused but also ensures a harmonious and efficient environment, making her an indispensable member of our team.

At only 18 years old, Suman Sopokta is a beacon of youthful enthusiasm and aspiration within our sanctuary. Although he's not yet a Mahout, he's eagerly learning the intricacies of the role from the seasoned experts around him. Coming from a family with two brothers and a sister, Suman has always harbored a deep desire to work with elephants. Known for his cheeky humor and a laugh that resonates throughout the compound, he's already shown incredible compassion towards our elephants and handiness with tools in the field. His passion and budding skills promise a bright future, making him a valuable asset to our team.