ABSTRACT

This chapter illustrates the importance of touch in human-animal interactions and this narrative features diverse modalities including the therapeutic touch of Sally, the lethal sporting touch of Samuel Baker, the disciplinary touch of elephant breakers, the empathetic touch of Thilak and the curious touch of Somalia. While touch has always been central to the production of natural knowledge and in catalysing concerns for nonhuman others, here this chapter argues that along with others that there is a growing willingness amongst Western environmentalists and ecotourists to articulate and undertake touching encounters. The chapter focuses on one compelling example of these touching environmentalisms to trace the different modalities of touch performed in encounters between Western visitors, mahouts and elephants in Sri Lanka. It examines the modalities of touch that characterise captive animal encounters. It is clear that captive elephants are charismatic companion animals, whose peculiar anatomy and sagacious ethology pose difficult but compelling responsibilities on those charged with their care.