Mahouts’ Quality of Work-life Versus Their Relationship with Elephants: A Dilemma Among Elephant Handlers in Nepalese National Parks

The present study aims at assessing the quality of work life (QWL) of Nepalese mahouts and their relationship with elephants. The article is based on the Work-Related Quality of Life Scale measurement to determine the QWL of the 108 mahouts (handlers of captivated elephants) working at and around national parks in Nepal and interviews with another four mahouts who are known as the opinion leaders in their profession. The survey results reveal that mahouts are less concerned about their own QWL but more about their elephants’ daily workload and bonding with them. The job and career satisfaction are positively correlated with general well-being (GWB) and control at work respectively. The study indicates a positive correlation between work–home interface and GWB, indicating a positive bond between elephants and their mahouts, leading to improved well-being. From the interview of four mahouts, we found that the mahouts’ QWL was determined by job satisfaction, emotional intelligence, bonding and trust with elephants rather than conventional factors of QWL. Hence, the QWL is a complex interplay of the emotional rewards of working with animals and the physical and mental challenges that come with their roles.