We just returned from Jaipur where we spent a long weekend.
The first tour – and possibly the highlight – was Elefantastic, a sanctuary that takes good care of the elephants.
Kirsi and Daddy got to spend time with Shakku, a 27 year old female. Mommy and Aidan hung out with Sampa, a 46 year old female.
The first step in our journey was to let them smell us so they could know us. We then petted them and fed them. It was a good chance to bond.
After lots of food, we got to pain them using natural, safe dyes. Then it was off to wash and scrub the elephants. The kids actually put the garden hoses IN their trunks and filled them up. Once we were done, we got to climb on top to join in the shower (that’s a Go Pro video camera on my head, in case you were wondering).
Then we all take a leisurely walk around the grounds.
We all felt a connection to Sampa and Shakku. You can sense the intelligence by looking in their eye and while they would swing their trunk back and forth, they never swung near us. It did, however, give you the impression of their immense strength and power…and gentle nature.
The flapping of their ears made quite a whoosh sound. While their hide is an inch thick, it is very sensitive and they can feel everything. The tusk (on a male that was there as well) may be one of the smoothest substances I’ve ever felt.
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