First elephants explore the Elephant Jungle
Video and pictures: David Terrazas. Muziek: Nina Simone.
In July 2011 we took the first elephants from the Elephant Nature Park to explore the Elephant Jungle. We were looking forward to take Hope on this adventurous expedition, because of his surplus of energy, and the problems he sometimes causes at the ENP. A considerable hike through the jungle might just take up some of his energy. Of course we wouldn’t leave without his girlfriend Sao Yai; thus the couple have some time alone away from the park. We became aware of their appreciation for the vegetable garden at the Elephant Jungle, where they worked hard on a Hope or Sao Yai Junior.
A five hour walk, steep up- or downhill, but always through true elephant land. On the way, Hope is a little hesitant, as if he doesn’t want to leave his safe home. But we’re not in a hurry, and there is plenty of time for eating and drinking breaks. On our way we tie pieces of Buddhist cloth around trees, hopefully urging illegal loggers to leave the trees alone. Nearly at the Elephant Jungle, the elephants dive into the long grass, and the volunteers into the pool near the waterfall. A great way to cool off after a walk like that. Click more for more details and photos of the trip.
Finally, elephants are walking around in the Elephant Jungle, even if it is only for three days. A moment we have been working towards to for months. Somehow it feels very natural, as if it has always been this way. On the other hand it’s unreal. We have had to conquer many obstacles, and we’re not there yet. But at least, this is a milestone.
The usually restless Hope is obviously at home here. Together with Sao Yai, he explores the surroundings. By now, there are hundreds of banana trees in the area, which the elephants love. Near the vegetable garden, the elephants rip out one banana tree after the other. Not bad for maintenance, since the garden can use more light and organic fertilizer.
In the evening, the elephants take off into the long grass; for their safety at night they will be on a long chain for now. We check into the volunteer house. After the long trip we make it an early night; especially because of the tree planting event the next day.
After two nights at the Elephant Jungle, we start our walk back to the park. Unlike the way there, we have no hold ups on this trek. The elephants are in a hurry to see their families, and we can only barely keep up. Every now and then, they are completely out of sight; we get attacked by a swarm of bees; a few volunteers slip off the small trail; and three hours later we arrive at the Elephant Nature Park. Tired, dirty, scratched, and bitten; but it has been all worthwhile. Until the next Elephant Walk!
