Mahout for a day (Chiang Mai part 2)

I mentioned in my last post that one of the coolest things we did on our vacation to Chiang Mai, Thailand was to spend time at an elephant farm as a mahout. A mahout is a professional elephant caretaker. This particular elephant farm is dedicated to the conservation of asian elephants and they have about 16 elephants that they care for. Upon arrival, we were given special clothes to wear so that the elephant knew to identify us as a caretaker. We were each assigned our own elephant and we started off by feeding them (always bribe an animal to like you with food). I had the only male elephant in the group- and his enormous tusks were very intimidating at first glance! When feeding, you put the food directly in their mouth, rather than letting them pick it up with their trunks. It was like reaching into a slimy hole- and we got lots of elephant slobber on us- yuck. Next, we had to examine their poop to see if they were healthy- 10 turds good, 2 turds bad. And we had to smell it- if it's healthy, it actually doesn't smell like anything. I wasn't as grossed out as I thought I'd be (changing diapers for 2 kids kinda makes you get used to dealing with poop).


Feeding the beast!

Afterwards, we brushed the dirt off with a branch and then took them into the river for a bath. Fun for us and the animals! Then, we learned how to properly get up on the elephant- grab the ear, step on their leg, and swing a leg over. When riding bareback, you sit on their neck with is terrifying because it's a LONG way down if you fall and there is nothing to hold onto!


Brushing off "Boon Pak"- that was my guy's name!


A wire brush feels so good!


Sev rinsing off his elephant

We rode the elephants into the forest for our picnic lunch. Our guide explained that it's not cruel to ride them as these are domestic animals- they were all born into captivity. So, just like you would with your pet dog, you feed them, exercise them, clean them, and ensure that they are given a safe place at night where they can't wander off. I thought that was a pretty interesting way to look at things.

Sev climbing up


Victory!


The view from the top- a long way down!

After lunch, we took the elephants swimming. It was fun but I was really apprehensive at first. I kept thinking "what if I get stepped on or he rolls over on me"- you have no idea how utterly huge these animals are until you are up close and personal!


An awesome traditional thai lunch- lots of sweet rice, fruit, and fried chicken.


Begging for food- our elephants got to eat our leftovers from lunch.


Bathing boon pak


A new meaning to the words "log roll"- scary!

All too quickly, the day was winding down and we headed back to "camp". Honestly, this was one of the best things we have ever done and I cannot recommend it highly enough. Plus, it's all about conservation and saving the Asian elephants- and after you spend a little time with them, you'll want to save them too.