Mahout in Training (or not)

Outside of Chiang Mai there are a number of elephant experiences ranging from circus-like shows to one-on-one elephant experiences. We opted for a one-on-one experience at the Thai Elephant Home. This organization is billed as the most eco-friendly elephant home. I have to say that the elephants appeared to be  well cared for and the mahouts did not seem to use any excessive force with the animals. There are many diverging opinions about this kind of elephant experience. I feel pretty good about our experience.

We opted for a full day of elephant training for 4500 Thai baht. We were to learn the basic commands, ride bareback (actually on the neck, what little there is), feeding (both the elephant and ourselves), mud bath, and bathing in the river. After an elephant "fact" briefing, it was on to commands.

As you can see, 5 minutes of quick cramming was all that was needed to master the essential mahout commands.

Joe, the top guy, gave us some final instructions prior to having us sigh a disclaimer. It's not his fault if we can't remember the correct commands.

Now we go down to meet the elephants and feed them a dozen or more bananas.

Now, what was the command to get down?

Step here and throw your leg over, right?

 Throw your leg over what?

What is the command for stand up?

Do I need to but a banana in his trunk?

Heading out into the jungle. It is amazing how much one fears falling off when the elephant goes up or down a steep hill.

Elephant trekking

After about an hour or more, we stopped for lunch. I needed to rest my butt and legs. You get a seat massage as the elephant walks, and squeezing tight with your legs helps to prevent falling.

Elephants love a mud bath. It keeps the sun and bugs off of their sensitive skin.

The mahouts help to get the mud where the elephant can't reach.

Well muddied and ready for the ride back home.

On the way back they spotted a favorite swimming spot.

It was a wild ride as my elephant liked to swim with his head under the water.

The no splashing rule was not enforced.

Wet and wild.

Back on the trail or river.

When we got back to the elephants' home, we met the newest arrival and her mom.

A final goodbye to the elephants, a shower, and a ride back to Chiang Mai (in a van).

It was a great day with the elephants.