Strong picture about the complex relationship between Asian elephant

"We are in Asia still do not fully understand, we hate or love these animals," says photographer Palani Mohan. He hails from the Indian state of Madras. Mohan five years shot elephants for their project "Vanishing giants". This series is an evidence of how humanity loves and hurts Asian elephants that live with people.

The project idea was born from mohana, when he lived in Thailand where elephants are forced to beg on the street — or revere as a deity in the monasteries. He realized that these animals are a symbol of Thailand, after whom call the hotel and even children, are also subjected to violence and exploitation.

The photographer visited more than ten countries and met with countless elephants, each of which, according to him, was his character. Most of all he liked young animals — they are very playful. However, Mohan emphasizes that the content of the elephant is a big responsibility, and to be treated with care, respect and care.

A tear runs from the eye of the elephant, which three days were kept in a wooden bench on the Thai-Burmese border.

Mahout (the driver) is the elephant, the West of Thailand.

Wild elephant in the national Park of Chitwan in Sri Lanka.

Return of the elephant camp in the national Park of Chitwan in Sri Lanka.

Rock cut elephants in the temple of Ellora in India.

A young elephant cries, until he dragged the Thai-Burma border.

The taming of a young elephant with boards with nails, ropes and wooden bench in a remote village on the Thai-Burmese border.

Elephant rehearsing before a performance for tourists at the village of Ban TA Klang in Thailand.

Mahaut with hook.

The male during the rut in the national Park "Madumalai" in the South of India.

Transportation elephant on a truck in the Sri Lankan capital Colombo.

Bathing dozen elephants in the reserve in Sri Lanka.

The elephant grabbed a street vendor during the celebration of the Thai New year.

Sri Lanka is considered a good luck to pass under the elephant with her baby.

Elephant begging in Bangkok.

The elephant bathes near foresty and camp in the South of India.

Cleaning the elephant in southern India.

Mahout with an elephant in Sri Lanka.