Meet the Artists
Elephant Artist Biographies
12 | Elephant Tao
The once naughty Tao
Name: Tao
Sex: Male
Born: 1997
Origin
Tao was rescued from the streets of Bangkok.
Nature
Tao is an interesting case of an elephant who has responded positively as a result of a recent change of mahout. He used to be quite naughty as a youngster and also rather lazy, which did not stop him from running away sometimes. Today he is sometimes a little aggressive, but overall he has quieted down and is much better behaved.
Special Story
Tao changed his mahout in December 2004. This was not because the previous mahout was bad at his job, but because it was felt that Tao may respond better to another mahout.
Artistic Talents
A year or two ago Tao’s painting style was inconsistent and immature, although occasionally he showed promise and occasionally would produce some wonderful images. Today his style has matured and he paints consistently with strong vertical strokes. His mahout is very proud of tao’s change in behaviour and in his improved artistic ability, which he puts down to his own understanding and care.
Mahout
Tao’s mahout is 33 year old Songklan Kanlaow, born in April 1972. He has been a mahout since 1998. Tao took over from an older and more experienced mahout (Tuan Pankwaen) in December 2004. Songklan is married to Kanjana and they have one child. Tuan (age 35 and with 12 year’s experience) is now a helper to Tao. Tuan is married to Kaew and they have one child.
Published In: Meet the Artists > Elephant Artist Biographies
