The mahout in Gia Lao Province who protects the sole surviving elephantVietNamNet Bridge - In Gia Lai province Ksor Cham, a 76 year old mahout, in Plei Pa Kdanh village, Chu Mo commune of Ia Pa district takes care of one surviving elephant in his area. Ya Tao is now the only elephant alive in Gia Lai. In high cassava and coffee harvesting season, Ya Tao is hired to carry products to areas where vehicles cannot reach. In high cassava and coffee harvesting season, Ya Tao is hired to carry products to areas where vehicles cannot reach. “One day, Ya Tao was hit by more than 20 lead pellets on the right cheek, from which blood poured off.