Michael and Heidi at the Crags Elephant Sanctuary with Marula and Thandi and Opet

My sister and I rode and walked with Marula (the matriarch of the group) and Thandi who shakes his head in the video to get rid of ticks and to cool down. These gentle giants were amazing! Our ride with the elephants isn't in the video, but we have pics on Facebook. We learned about their anatomy and their behavior. When walking with an elephant, you reverse cup your hand and hold the elephant's trunk behind you. It makes them feel safe and they will bond with you. It was natural for me and my sister, in that the elephant's breath through their trunk was warm and moist (a little icky if you think about it), but it was definitely a bonding experience. Then when you get up close and stare into the elephant's eyes, and it's more than bonding!!! Heidi is with the blue quilted down jacket and I'm with the blue fleece jacket, the baseball cap, and backpack.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• Elephant
• Thandi
• Marula
• Heidi
• Michael
• Opet