Today we spent the day learning how to become a Mahout (Elephant Trainer). We decided to spend the day at the Baan Chang Elephant Reserve because we wanted an experience that was authentic to actual elephant training. There are many "Elephant Shows" where the elephants paint and do tricks with a soccer balls, but we wanted to go to a camp where we knew the elephants were treated well. The camp's focus is rescuing elephants from bad situations and our day revolved around the elephants daily needs. We fed the elephants, gave them exercise by taking them for a walk, and last we took them to a pond to give them a bath.
Mai Yai, our elephant, was a particularly special elephant. When we were introduced to the elephants there were two we that we were told to be careful around because of their temperament. Mai Yai was one of the elephants. She was taken in from an abusive owner and still was a little skiddish about people getting to close to her face. It turns out that she was a wonderful elephant to be around and was sweet during our entire ride. In tight areas in the jungle she would even wrap her ears around our legs to make us feel safe.
Sabrina is not impressed with the outfit we were given once again
Kisses from baby elephants
That's the same face you make when I kiss you.
ReplyDeleteLove, Dad