Photo by @jonathankingston An elephant and his mahout take a break from their daily routine of logging to swim in the Andaman sea near Port Blair, India. Mahout's and their elephants have a unique relationship that often begins at a young age and lasts for the lifetime of the mahout. The protection of elephants falls under prevue of the Ministry of Environment and Forests "Project Elephant" that seeks to protect elephants, their habitat and the welfare of captive elephants. After two years of planning and two flights to Port Blair, I was able to secure permission from the Ministry of Environment and Forests to take this photograph in 2004. @natgeocreative #WorldElephantDay #india #andaman #andamanislands #elephant #swimming #blue #35mm #film #elephasmaximus
