After a much needed rest in Bangkok after over 20 hours of travel, we made our way to Elephants World! First, though, a spontaneous visit to the Bridge on the River Kwai. It felt surreal to stand somewhere so historic, and we were all excited to be somewhere new and different.
When we arrived at Elephants World, we got to work feeding the elephants right away. I was in shock from being so close to these gigantic animals—a shock that never really faded. We fed them yam beans, watermelons, bananas and corn. Each elephant had their own favorite and least favorite foods. The babies particularly dislike yam beans, and would pretend to eat them before dropping them on the ground.
Later, we made rice-pumpkin balls for the older elephants to eat. They can’t chew hard foods, so they get their nutrition from the rice, pumpkin, and calcium powder.
There was a distinct feeling of personal connection with these elephants—they felt human. They’re intelligent, emotional animals, and it’s apparent. When I stepped out of my room and saw elephants casually strolling by, I knew I was far from home!