Imagination recently became my reality when I got to experience a top bucket list item of mine. Dopamine surged through my body, tears welled up in my eyes, and a smile formed so big, my wisdom teeth could be seen from afar! I’ve always known that travel has a way of changing lives; I’ve experienced it so many times, but nothing prepared me for the powerful moment that shaped who I hope to become as I grow as a person. An animal advocate. Specifically elephants.
Best day ever!
As I stood in the Wildlife SOS sanctuary in Agra, India, staring at the majestic mammal, I couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming love for an animal that has owned my heart for as long as I can remember. I first fell in love with elephants in kindergarten. My mom still has a mug I made for her that has my childlike elephant drawing. Hilariously enough, my artistic skills have not advanced at all; this is evident by the elephant drawing I made at my friend’s baby shower a few years ago. I may not be able to draw them but I sure know how to love them!
Unfortunately, when I was in my twenties, I did not know the torture they go through, all in the name of entertainment. I wish I could take back the day I rode and elephant in Chiang Mai, Thailand. I am happy that I have no evidence of that because my photos got swept away in my disposable camera, down a river. But, it happened, and I apologize to the elephant for my ignorance; I never meant any harm.
We humans have an insatiable desire to take photos with wildlife. Being able to be so close to animals we often only see on television, is a dream come true. But it comes with a price. Bull hooks and chains are used to “train” the elephant to be submissive. These precious souls go through months and years of abuse until they lose their fight against human cruelty. The physical scars they wear are mild in comparison to the emotional trauma they will carry for the rest of their shortened lives. Elephants are meant to be social with each other and free from the type of interaction tourism brings in the growing industry of wildlife travel.
Not all wildlife tourism is bad. In a profit-driven industry, it is important to understand that conservation is helpful and done correctly, can save animals lives. Sanctuaries around the world are fighting against the injustices that illegal poachers and owners dominate. Wildlife SOS is the only one I have been to, and I love everything they represent. We were not allowed to ride the elephants because the goal is to teach them love so they don’t live in fear anymore than they already have. We were allowed to food prep and feed them. We got to hear about their stories and all the obstacles they will try to overcome once they realize they are in a place of love, with people who respect them. It is not easy. These deeply involved caretakers dedicate their lives to rescuing them and providing top notch care by an elephant veterinarian that we had the pleasure of meeting. I wish I could be an elephant veterinarian. Some dreams are too big and I accept that. Just knowing I can educate on their behalf, brings me peace and satisfaction that I am doing the best that I know how.
Other wildlife are also at risk for the same unthinkable cruelties. Did you know that when you see a cute baby lion cub on the side of a street, “posing” for tourist pictures, that the lion is drugged? For the longest time, I did not know that. It hurts. This is a subject I am learning about and even though I would love to write journals about it, I am just a student hoping to change someone’s mind who many not know, just like I didn’t. We are going to Morocco next year, and I see so many pictures of people on camels. I have no idea if that is considered cruel. I will learn though, and I will not contribute to it, if it is. That is a promise.
My goal for this article is to educate. I didn’t want to make the whole story negative because my experience as an educated tourist, was so positive. It is important to know that it is not normal for wildlife to be interacting with humans to the extent that we see it. Finally, circuses are catching on and starting to ban certain animal acts. This should have been done many years ago, but alas, all we can do is educate, educate, educate. Do your research. Don’t support animal cruelty. There are so many organizations that help wildlife; choose those for your tourist adventure. Your heart will fill so full, knowing you did the right thing.
I like big butts and I can not l lie….elephant butts!
I would like to close by talking about….elephant butts! OMG! Are they not the greatest butts ever? I LOVE all my elephant butt pictures. I can not wait to frame one of my photos and hang it in my travel office. There are so many places I want to go and see wildlife. My promise to the animal kingdom is to carefully enjoy their beauty without causing harm. #letsgo #storymakerstravel #yourbeststoriesbeginhere #wildlifesos #elephants #animaltourism
