Chiang Mai, Thailand, Elephant day

Today we went to a Thai elephant preserve. The elephants were Asian elephants. Asian elephants are smaller than African elephants. There color is more brown and African elephants are more grey.  The trunks and ears are also different.

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We spent the whole day with the elephants. First, our group fed them bananas and sugar cane(yum!).  Their trunks were strong. The keeper told us one alone could break a grown man’s arm! Next, we learned to ride them! These are some of the commands: nan-long means lay down(they stand up automatically), pai means go, wai means turn, and I forgot how to say “stop”.  Next, we rode around for an hour.  We rode bareback. I rode on the head and dada rode on the back. My brother and mama rode on a different elephant. We switched halfway through so that I could ride with my mom. I held on to the ears so that I didn’t fall.

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At the end of the afternoon, we bathed the elephants. We dumped water and scrubbed them with brushes. There was elephant poop everywhere! Next stop: shower.

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My quotes from the day:

1. Keeper: “When elephants spray water, they  get it from their stomachs.”
Fin: “Well, that sounds unsanitary.”

2. Mama’s elephant rears up, wobbles, and trumpets. Everybody is silent. I ring out: “Well that was unexpected.”

3. At first Fisher was too scared to get on the elaphent. Then. . . “Mama, this is to easy.”

9 thoughts on “Chiang Mai, Thailand, Elephant day

  1. Sarah Cupp

    Fin, I absolutely love your blog! I can’t wait to read the next one. Sounds like you’re having the time of your life, making amazing memories.

    Reply
  2. Marcia Muterspaugh

    Great writing and photos, Fin. I’m glad you are enjoying the trip. Thanks for caring about the elephants and other creatures. Have fun!

    Reply
  3. Brooke Denni

    Wow! Fin I am loving your blog. I love reading about your adventures. You are a great writer. I especially enjoyed your “quotes” section at the end. Nice touch!

    Reply

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