Elephants!

Okay, I had a very hard time paring back my photos and videos from our Karen Elephant Experience through the Elephant Nature Park (ENP).  This organization is doing amazing things trying to save elephants, and we were excited to support this organization while getting to have an amazing experience.

Our guide explained to us that they have rescued hundreds of elephants around Southeast Asia, and many times will buy elephants from their owners to remove them from a life of abuse/trauma/work -- these elphants are tortured to break their spirit, and often times get brokcn backs and hips.  Elephants are still being used in the logging industry, circuses, riding camps etc., -- but, ENP is working hard to educate owners and save these creatures (there are no laws/requirements in place for elephant owners to keep them safe).  In some cases, like this, they don't buy the elephants, but instead they educate the owners and convince them to include their elephants in the ENP program and remove them from a working life. 

We had an amazing group with us and we were able to be up close and personal with elephants - feeding, walking through the woods (so these elephants who have been in captivity can start learning how to find food for themselves), give them a mud bath, and then take them to the river to rinse off.  Maeve and I have healthy respect for elephants, but Maeve was brave throughout the experience and participated in all aspects of the day.  She loved it.

Here is a glimpse of our day.  It will be one we won't forget:

Our first glimpse and saying hello

We were able to feed the elephants

I got myself an 'Elfie'

This little 7 year old girl was new to the program and was hysterical and naughty... sounds about right for a 7 year old.

Elephant poop growing a pumpkin.  Good fertilizer.

Our lunch spot.  Very scenic and peaceful.

Heading down to the mud pit.

The elephants loved it.

Everyone got very muddy... especially after the mud fight.

Maeve's footprints were a wee bit smaller than the elephants'.

And then there was a water fight.

Our very fun group.