Randomness

Take a safari across the game reserves in South Africa or the national parks in Kenya and elephants will be a common sight. I distinctly recall the first time I saw an elephant. I was in primary school and we had gone on a trip to Nanyuki. At first I could not figure it out. On looking keenly, I noticed the flapping of ears as it fed, under a shade of trees. I stood there watching the giant animal, that was not bothered by our presence but had been warned not to go close to.

In Surin Province, Northeastern Thailand, the Kui people train elephants. They capture baby elephants from the forests and rear them on their farms while training them to interact with humans. It has been a part of their culture and tradition for hundreds of years.

In 2001, the Elephant World was established in Tha Tum District, with an aim to ensure that elephants were well fed and protected against exploitation. They sought to bring together most of the elephants in the Kingdom. Inside the establishment there is the Elephant Museum, Elephant Study Center, show court, café and souvenir shops.

On the show court that is where your mind will get blown away by different elephant acts. I watched two elephants painting. One painted a tree and the other a mountainous landscape. Later, they played football where some managed to score goals. They also played basketball while showing off some impressive skills. Lastly, there was an outstanding performance by over 30 elephants. They swung hula hoops around their trunks moving in synch with the music. On this last act, I was not sure of where to look because the court was action filled. It was so amusing. Watching all these, I observed a playful side that I would have never associated with elephants.

Besides feeding them, I got a massage from three different elephants. Lying down on that mat, I did not know exactly what to expect because I had just volunteered. After a few minutes of waiting, I felt it. Three light taps on my back. One after the other, they would tap with their trunks and when done, they would walk over me. When I stood up, I could not believe that I had gotten to experience that. Honestly, it felt like a dreamy experience.

When I thought it would not get better than that, I had the chance of riding on one. It wrapped its trunk around me and I sat comfortably near the base. It lifted me off the ground, walking me around the court as I waved to the cheering onlookers. With the guidance of its master, it led me to where I had been sitting.

The show came to an end and as I walked off I was in utter disbelief of what I had experienced. I was so glad of my adventurous nature because what a thrill.