elephant and mahout (IMAGE) University of Turku Caption At its best the relationship between an elephant and mahout is a lifetime companionship. Frequent changes and disruptions in the relationships with humans can cause stress to the elephant. Credit Virpi Lummaa Usage Restrictions Please attrivute the photo to the photographer. License Original content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.