Most people already know about my recent trip to Hug Elephants Sanctuary due to the mass amounts of photos I have posted. And sorry, but I will continue to post those photos! I will continue bragging about that day because it was probably one of the best days in my life.
Coming to Thailand, my initial thought was that I would eventually ride the elephants. It seemed like it was such a neat touristy experience. However, after research I decided against riding an elephant VERY quickly. I could go on about the harsh treatment of these beautiful animals forever. But instead of such a depressing topic, I want to focus on the good that some sanctuaries (like the one I went to) are starting to partake in.
As I said before, this was one of the best experiences ever!! After an hour long ride south of Chiang Mai, we were greeted by two adorable puppies. Despite my fear of Thai dogs, from previous incidents, these two puppies were the cutest things ever! We also met our guide. People say that the guide can make or break your day...and I wholeheartedly agree with that statement!
I don't think I have ever met someone so passionate about what they do. Although, working with elephants all day every day is about as close as it gets to a dream job!
Hug Elephants Sanctuary's goal is to make sure that the elephants are having fun and that the visitors are having fun. Let me just say, goal achieved!
Not only did we get the chance to feed the two elephants, but how many people get to go on a walk with an elephant?!
We walked them to a mud pit, next to a watering hole and the games began! There is nothing like having a mud fight with two elephants. While we were splashing mud onto their backs and rubbing it all over their stomachs, they started spraying us with it as well.
You could just tell how much the elephants enjoyed it. The little one (7 years old), I guess little is not the correct term haha, would roll all over the ground almost like a dog! The older elephant was loving an old stump next to the mud pit. They both used it as a scratching post and provided us with tons of entertainment as they tried to scratch those difficult places!
After they were covered in mud, they went splashing into the water. I actually didn't know that elephants would go completely under the water! It was somewhat nerve wracking because I couldn't tell where their huge feet were! Once again, you could just tell that they were having a blast (just like all of us were)!
One of the best moments of the day was when I got kissed by one of the elephants. I actually was kissed, more like slobbered on, earlier in the day and had mud, food, and other random stuff dripping down my shoulder. But after the swimming, I got a few more kisses on the cheek! I don't think I can put it into words, but it was like a huge vacuum cleaner sucking on my cheek!
Needless to say, the day was incredible. I also really liked how the elephants were free to roam on the ground. They weren't chained up or fenced in which I really liked. Overall, the elephants were treated extremely well which just added to the experience.
I would HIGHLY recommend this sanctuary for anyone interested. I am also considering doing a week long volunteer position helping at this sanctuary. We will just see how it all works out!
For more information on this sanctuary, visit the link below:
http://www.hugelephantssanctuary.com/#!home/c1dmp
