Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
Our last day in beautiful Luang Prabang. We had signed up for a visit to an elephant conservation project. Not sure what we expected but par for the course would have been to have a short, token ride and then to be taken to the river to 'help' scrub them down. The day proved to be much more than that.
It started as anticipated with a circuit - though this included an alarmingly steep downhill track to the river. The Mahouts genuinely seemed at one with their elephants, constantly murmuring to them and fondling their ears with their feet.
From there we went back to the compound where we were bombarded with facts about the ownership, care, diet, lifespan etc etc of elephants. Then, armed with basic commands we climbed into the Mahout position (the real Mahout perched behind on the elephant's back) and carried out manoeuvres.
After lunch we had to guide our charges down to the river again - this time riding on their necks, for their bath. J of course has natural grace and balance. B's knuckles whitened on the elephant's head as he fought to control the great bulk.
Then into the river - trunks up! Not sure which of us was wetter.
Back via a waterfall (pretty unimpressive as it's the dry season - but a great rockpool to cool off in).
Have never seen such devoted care and commitment to a cause. It was totally non commercial and a real inspiration.
By the way, Laos is known as the Land of the Million Elephants. There are 1600 left.
- comments