Is the guide (sometimes referred to as an ankus or bullhook) used to intimidate an elephant to get it to comply with a trainers commands?
No. If you watch the way the elephants respond to the trainer you will see they are comfortable both with the trainer and the guide and that the guide is used to lead the elephant at times when the noise of the crowd or distractions might cause the elephant to miss a verbal cue. In training, animal care experts might touch an elephants foot with the guide and say foot to get the elephant to lift its foot and understand the meaning of the verbal cue. The guide is a USDA approved tool that can be used as an extension of the handlers arm. For instance, the guide enables animal care staff to reach up 8 feet to touch an elephant on the shoulder. The guide is used in much the same way as reins on a horse or a leash for a dog—as a way to lead the animal.
