What is love? A question that has plagued humankind for centuries. Is it the feeling that makes you bring the entire world to that certain someone’s feet? Or is it the feeling that puts a smile on your face when you see them smile? Or is it the feeling that makes you want to take care of someone for no particular reason? If yes, is it always limited to just humans? “The Elephant Whisperers” will make you question just that.
The Elephant Whisperers: A Glimpse
Directed by Kartiki Gonsalves, “The Elephant Whisperers” is a short documentary that will make you marvel at the beauty of love. Shot in the lush forest of Tamil Nadu, it narrates the tale of Ammu and Raghu two baby elephant orphans who found a new set of parents in Bomman and Bellie. Belonging to the tribe of Kattunayakan, both Bomman and Bellie are tribal people. They take pride in knowing their way around the forest and are the proud caretakers of baby elephants.
Raising an adult elephant who already knows how to bathe and feed itself is hard, imagine raising a baby. Seems beyond impossible. That’s what the people at the Theppakadu Elephant camp, at the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve thought so too, until Bomman and Bellie came into the picture. By successfully raising two baby elephants, they became the first couple in South India to do so. And their secret; just take care of them as you would take care of your own kid and the rest will all fall into place.
The Elephant Whisperers: A Love Beyond Species
In a short span of 40 minutes, Bomman and Bellie taught us what it actually means to be a true parent. They showed us that if animals don’t discriminate while spreading their love to us then why should we limit ourselves? Bellie who lost her daughter not too long ago got another chance at motherhood. And Bomman whose love for elephants knew no bounds finally got another chance to care for them.
One might think that given Bellie and Bomman are “The Elephant Whisperers” they must be quite prideful of their ability. But in reality, they thank their lucky stars every day that they were able to connect with these two kids and provide them with the love and affection that they were deprived of so early in their life. Their down-to-earth nature and humility help one understand the true essence of being a parent. The way the elephants attach themselves to them will make one question whether or not they are actually elephants. From scolding them like parents to tending to them and being there for them not only physically but also emotionally to ensuring they have the freshest grass for each meal, they are in every sense a true family.
Afterword
Just like mother nature whose love knows no bounds their love is equally boundless. They are tribal people who are proud children of mother nature. They will not shy away from protecting it as and when the time comes. They ensure that their traditions are passed down to their children. This ensures that they continue to give back to nature as it tirelessly provides for them.
Bringing in the theme of family, deforestation awareness, and what it means to truly love, it is no wonder that “The Elephant Whisperers” bagged the Oscar Award for Best Documentary Short Film at the 95th Academy Awards. Fictional movies heavily cover such themes. But it is very rare to stumble upon documentaries that capture such beautiful love in real life. It truly feels as if it’s mother nature whose love has won.
