We had tried to book a 2 day overnight stay but it was all booked up until January so we booked the full day. They picked us up early then we had a safety talk and video in the van on the way there:
*don't stand where an elephant can't see you
*don't stroke or pat its backside
* don't tease it with food or get in its way ....etc!
Ok noted or we get hurt!!
Arrived there with surrounding mountain tops and a river running through with elephants walking around with buffalo, dogs and cats! We fed the elephants watermelon, bananas and pumpkins from behind a bar allowing them to wrap their trunk around it as they took it from you.
Then we stayed in our small group of 8 as we walked out into the main park. We walked past the elephants and stopped to stroke the friendly ones. These elephants had been rescued from misuse or saved after stepping on landmines, some were blind from owners prodding them in the eyes from not doing what was commanded, dislocated hips from poor breeding etc. This was part of the reason for choosing this place and the fact they are not used to ride, just help! 😊
After lunch we went to the river and helped bathe the elephants, chucking buckets of water over them. Each elephant had its own mahout: in this case carer so we were always safe. Another walk around and 1 last feeding time: this time a bit more confidently as we allowed the elephant to wrap its trunk around our food we had in 1 hand and pat the top of its trunk with the other.
What a great day!!!!!! 😊😊
