Chandani: The Daughter of the Elephant Whisperer

This transporting and fascinating documentary shows life in Sri Lanka from the perspective of a very special girl!

16-year-old Chandani wants to become a mahout (elephant whisperer) like her father, a profession that is almost exclusively held by men. Young Chandani has to work with extraordinary dedication to prove herself in the job that has been passed down through generations in her family. Through Chandani’s experiences with Kandula, the baby elephant in her care, you will learn about Asian elephants, their changing relationship with humans, and our shared, rapidly changing environment. Some English subtitles. (86 mins., video)

Stay after the film for a family Q & A with Harry Peachey, elephant manager/curator of mainland Asia at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.