The next day I was pooped but though I was tired, Maria said this was a "not to miss" place...I have to say, she was absolutely right! We headed off to the Elephant Orphanage. I also remember seeing this on a National Geographic special at one point. This is an orphanage run solely on donations. Most of the elephants are orphaned by poachers killing the mothers. Some are injured or have fallen into the pit wells dug for irrigation.
The workers are very protective and dedicated. They even sleep with the babies until they reach a certain age. The elephants are limited to human contact for only 1 hour a day, which is when you are able to visit. They bring them to a roped off area for feeding....now I have to say they are absolutely ADORABLE!
They look and act like little kids...playing with each other and balls, shovels mud. Their systems are quite delicate so they are fed baby formula. They are unable to digest cow's milk. This is a HUGE expense, but through donations, they are able to manage.
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| AWWW |
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| You can see how close we are to them |
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| Following their caretaker back to the woods for "elephant training" |
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| They have to drink baby formula |
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| nose wrestling |
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| I did manage to touch this one |
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| I was kicking the ball back and forth with this one |
Maybe how we treat God's creatures is a reflection of the state of our society and of how we treat each other. This place is a reflection of the Good of mankind for sure.
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