Elephant High

Bucket List Item #1-Visit an elephant park-CHECK!

Chiang Mai, Thailand

I’m not the biggest animal lover, but I have always loved elephants and they are definitely my favorite animal! It all started with one of my favorite movies ‘A Little Princess’ (which is also why I’m captivated by India). In a few scenes, the little girl is riding on a huge, beautifully decorated elephant in a bright, exotic Indian village. There’s Indian music playing and everything is peaceful and perfect. I dreamed of being her one day and I always knew I would somehow.

The only time I actually had the pleasure of meeting an elephant was in fourth grade at the circus. My mom had given me $7 to spend on whatever I wanted during my time there, assuming I could get some snacks and a drink. She told me to spend it wisely and not all in one place at the same time. I was planning to take her advice as I always did but the minute I saw the opportunity to ride an elephant, the thought of that hot dog and soda quickly escaped my mind. I really wanted to make sure I didn’t disappoint her but I also didn’t want to pass up my ‘Little Princess’ moment.

It cost $6 to ride the elephant, which left me with $1 to maybe get some cotton candy. I’d have to figure out my thirst later. Making sacrifices for a dream early eh? I couldn’t wait! I pictured myself riding the beautiful creature around in circles. Lost in my own imagination. Connecting with it and imagining myself in India.

Instead, the ride lasted five minutes and only one circle. Even worse, it stopped mid-circle to relieve itself. Well, not enough time to really get my imagination going. I was so disappointed and instantly really hungry knowing I had $1 dollar left for the entire time (the circus hadn’t even started yet).

I should have listened to my Mom! I thought. She’s ALWAYS right. Uh, I’m such a loser. But, one day I WILL get my ‘Little Princess’ moment. 

Fast forward nearly 20 years and I have gotten my moment! But, only better. While researching my trip to Asia, I came across a few articles detailing responsible tourism and elephant riding. I had no idea up until then that many of the elephants are treated cruelly. Chained by the legs, unable to wonder free, having to stand for hours, whipped, among other treatment. They become very anxious when ridden, especially in a surrounding with lots of people, cars and activity. The vibrations make them nervous and scared. I know all too well how anxiety feels and I would never wish that on anyone or anything. It broke my heart to learn the reality of something I was so excited for and took part in as a child, obviously not knowing any better.

So, I promised not to ride an elephant, as much as I really wanted to fulfill a childhood dream. And I would not take part in any tour or visit to an elephant park unless they were treated with kindness and respect. Luckily, I found exactly what I was looking for and the experience was just as amazing as I imagined. I visited Into the Wild Elephant Camp in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

There, the elephants roam free in their habitat, no riding is allowed, they are all able to live amongst each other rather than being separated and they are not chained or abused. They were able to be themselves; happy, acting silly, playing, being free. That’s exactly what I wanted to experience and it was so beautiful to spend the day interacting with the gentle creatures I’ve been fascinated with for so long.

The moment I touched one I was overwhelmed with excitement and a feeling of peace. I understood right then and there why they are a symbol of strength, courage and wisdom (just another reason I love them).

We spent the day feeding them (they were quite impatient only being fed one banana at a time), going for a walk, bathing them with mud and swimming around with them. Watching the baby elephant flop itself around was so funny!

At one point in the day the guide noticed a HUGE spider wandering nearby. He fearlessly picked it up and handed it to one of the other group members (ignoring the screams of course). It was one of those times I felt that I better not miss the opportunity to say that I allowed something like that to crawl all over me. ‘Sure! Hand him over!’

We ended the day with a yummy lunch of fried rice in a banana leaf and fresh fruit. Chatting and reminiscing about the day.

No, I wasn’t riding an elephant through India but it was perfect and I couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity to experience such a special connection.

Do you have a favorite animal and why?